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
Opuha Dam – Rock Erodibility Assessment
Client: Stantec New Zealand
Location: Canterbury, New Zealand
Date: 2022
Assessment of the potential for rock erosion in the unlined tailrace area from the jet of a proposed 1800 mm diameter hooded cone discharge valve to be installed at the downstream toe of the approximately 50 m high Opuha Dam. The new valve is to increase the drawdown capacity from the reservoir for various operational conditions.
Geological investigations to support the assessment included a review of pre-existing geological information, a review of historical erosion at the site, and the dewatering and geological mapping of the tailrace area. A geological model was developed and the materials characterised, to allow the assessment of rock erodibility using a variety of published methods.