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
Hells Gate Dam – Reference Design
Client: SMEC Australia Pty Ltd
Location: Queensland, Australia
Date: 2021
Townsville Enterprise Limited has engaged SMEC Australia Pty Ltd (SMEC) to prepare a concept design and detailed business case (DBC) for the Hells Gates Dam (HGD) and Irrigation Project. The proposed HGD is a key part of the $5.35 billion irrigated agricultural and power project on the upper Burdekin River. The current design is for an approximately 90 m high Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) dam, which has a crest length of roughly 650 m, which includes a 250 m wide centrally located overflow spillway.
Geological Consulting assisted SMEC with the investigation and characterisation of the dam site, to support the development of the reference design and DBC. The geology at the site comprises a sequence of interbedded volcanic and sedimentary rocks, which dip downstream. Key aspects of the geological characterisation included assessing founding levels, the required foundation treatment, potential foundation and abutment failure mechanisms, and sources of concrete aggregate.