Resilient dam, resilient crew
Ames crews are constructing a new, 90-foot-wide gated spillway and downstream stability berm at the Sevier Bridge Dam in central Utah that will extend the dam’s life and ensure its resilience.
The project requires intricate structural concrete work, the installation of stainless-steel slide gates and a filter drain system, earth removal, placement of stone columns, and strategic structural fill.
Milestones in 2023 have included the establishment of spillway footings and walls, implementation of chimney drain structures, installation of the crest chimney drain, road replacement, and the stabilization of bedrock.
Amid the project’s engineering complexities, the team has demonstrated resilience against nature’s challenges. Winds regularly reach gusts exceeding 40 mph, and crews worked through an unusually harsh winter. Construction of a temporary cofferdam was especially tricky because it needed to support runoff from snowmelt but not damage the structure itself or cause damage downward on the structure.
“The project highlights the team’s dedication, expertise, and ingenuity,” says Project Manager Stan Raass. “Confronted with weather uncertainties, workspace limitations, and formidable bedrock conditions, the team’s commitment to delivering a resilient and high-quality project remained steadfast.”