Brief
Discover the monumental Gross Reservoir Dam expansion in Colorado, a project set to nearly triple water storage capacity and redefine engineering excellence.
Insight
The Gross Reservoir Expansion Project, a groundbreaking endeavor by Denver Water and partners, is poised to revolutionize water storage in Boulder County, Colorado. Initiated in 2003 and commencing construction in April 2022, this project aims to substantially raise the 70-year-old dam’s height by 131 feet, resulting in a 340 feet high structure.
This ambitious modification will not only enhance the dam’s storage capacity from 41,811 to 119,000 acre-feet but also expand its surface area and elevation significantly. The reservoir, integral to Denver Water’s supply system, will see its crest elongated and its storage capabilities nearly tripled, addressing critical water supply challenges.
The project’s construction phase, handled by a joint venture between Kiewit Corp. and Barnard Construction Company Inc., involved extensive preparation, including over a million yards of earthmoving in Colorado’s challenging terrain.
Innovative techniques like hydrodemolition were employed to ensure a strong bond between the new roller-compacted concrete (RCC) and the existing dam structure. Preparations also included significant groundwork to stabilize the foundation, with methods such as dental and foundation concrete application and consolidation grouting.
A notable aspect of the expansion is the transition of the dam from a gravity to a thick-arch structure, requiring the design of tangential thrust blocks for added stability. The project emphasizes the critical role of heat control in concrete dam construction, leading to the development of a state-of-the-art concrete batch plant. This plant produces cold RCC to prevent tensile stresses and cracking, showcasing engineering innovation.
Scheduled for RCC placement in 2024 and 2025, the Gross Reservoir Expansion Project stands as a testament to the possibilities of modern engineering in overcoming natural and logistical challenges. It exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the future of water resource management.
Highlight
- this project aims to substantially raise the 70-year-old dam’s height by 131 feet, resulting in a 340 feet high structure. This ambitious modification will not only enhance the dam’s storage capacity from 41,811 to 119,000 acre-feet but also expand its surface area and elevation significantly.
- . Innovative techniques like hydrodemolition were employed to ensure a strong bond between the new roller-compacted concrete (RCC) and the existing dam structure.
- A notable aspect of the expansion is the transition of the dam from a gravity to a thick-arch structure, requiring the design of tangential thrust blocks for added stability.
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