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
Burdekin Falls Dam – 20-year Safety Review
Client: Stantec Australia Pty Ltd
Location: Queensland, Australia
Date: 2020
Geological Consulting was engaged by Stantec Australia Pty Ltd (Stantec) to complete the geological requirements for the 20-year safety review of Burdekin Falls Dam, Queensland.
Burdekin Falls Dam is located approximately 200km southeast of Townsville and was constructed between 1982 and 1987. It comprises a mass concrete main dam with a maximum height of around 55m and a crest length of approximately 875m. It has a central free-overflow spillway, which is around 500m wide. In addition to the main dam, there are 4.5km of clay core rockfill saddle dams up to approximately 35m in height. A unique characteristic of the dam is its large catchment, which is approximately 115,000km2 and associated large floods. The site is also subject to high tectonic (horizontal) stress.
Key considerations for the safety review included the kinematic stability of the dam foundation and abutments, rock erodibility downstream of the dam and characteristics of the used construction materials.