Geological Consulting has supported Stantec on several New Zealand dam safety projects. They have provided desktop studies and site investigations; where a good understanding of the local geology, dam and foundation materials, instrumentation, and wider dam safety issues including flooding, internal erosion and seismicity has been required. They have consistently exceeded expectations in terms of technical delivery, programme, safety, and end-client satisfaction.
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Project
Waranga Basin – Dam Safety Review
Client: AECOM Australia Pty Ltd
Location: Victoria, Australia
Date: 2022 to 2023
Geological investigations to support the dam safety review of the approximately 120-year-old, 7 km long, and 12 m high embankment dam. The original puddle clay core dam was constructed in 1905 and then raised by 4.25 m between 1915 and 1921. A concrete core wall was installed in the later 1920s. The dam is founded on variably aged alluvial deposits, some of which have been assessed previously as liquefaction susceptible.
Investigative trenches were undertaken in the downstream toe of the dam to assess both the as-built details and material characteristics of the embankment and also the upper part of the dam foundation. Disturbed and undisturbed sampling, and in-situ testing, were completed in the trenches to facilitate material characterisation.
In addition, a geological assessment was completed for the foundation of the Major Outlet, to support engineering assessments of the DSR. The assessment included development of a geological model, material characterisation, and analysis of potential failure mechanisms in the rock foundation.