Geotechnical, Water, Ecology, Environmental, Construction Mgmt
Construction of the 2,400-megawatt Ituango Hydroelectric Dam began in 2010 to significantly expand Colombia’s electrical generation capacity. A diversion tunnel collapse in 2018, during construction, required flooding of the unfinished powerhouse and accelerated dam construction to ensure the safety of the downstream population. As a result of the collapse and subsequent re-insurance requirements, the dam … Read more
Challenge The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) owns and manages more than 350 dams. The DCR recognized that the potential for hydroelectric generation at these dams might provide additional value in the form of potential revenue for the DCR and Commonwealth, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions, and sustainable power for Commonwealth … Read more
Challenge Great River Hydro is the owner and operator of 16 dams in New England (13 for hydropower, 3 for storage). TransCanada, the former owner, engaged GZA to perform dam break analyses, hazard classification assessments, spillway capacity analyses, and Emergency Action Plan (EAP) updates for their dams. Solution GZA conducted dam break analyses for 6 … Read more
Challenge GZA was engaged to assess the feasibility of upgrading two existing dams on the East Branch of the Housatonic River for hydroelectric generation. Originally built to provide water and hydromechanical power to paper mills adjacent to the river, the dams no longer generated energy. GZA’s work was integral to the client’s multi-phased approach to … Read more
Challenge A turbine extension and modernization program at this Pumped Storage Hydrogeneration Project required complete un-watering of the subsurface water conveyance structures that connect its Lower Reservoir (LR) and Upper Reservoir (UR). Stability of the earthfill embankment components of the project, which are sensitive to water surface elevations and changes in piezometric pressures, added complexity … Read more