Innovations & dam safety | Safety considerations
Revised flood modelling and ageing infrastructure are some of the reasons why safety upgrades are being undertaken at dams in Australia, Malawi and Canada
Above: The Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project will meet revised flood guidelines issued by the Australian National Committee on Large Dams. Photo courtesy of SMEC
SMEC IS HELPING TO deliver the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project with Seymour Whyte and Toowoomba Regional Council in Queensland, in order to meet acceptable flood capacity modelling guidelines as revised by the Australian National Committee on Large Dams. The project will ensure that the structure can safely handle surplus water during intense rainfall by raising the dam crest height, whilst also aligning the structure with current engineering design standards and safety regulations. As a result, enhanced flood capacity and resilience will be delivered to the dam, whilst maintaining its current 81,900 ML drinking water storage capacity.
SMEC will soon commence the detailed design phase, encompassing the dam spillway widening, embankment increase and design configuration of the plunge pool. There will also be provision for natural fish migration and integrating circular economy principles including the reuse of rock. Construction is expected to start during 2024 with
key works completed in late 2025. Some ancillary works may be required to the end of 2026.
18 | March 2024 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
Malawi The Malawi Northern Region Water Board (NRWB)
has also recently appointed SMEC to prepare the Lunyangwa Dam Safety Management Plan. Constructed in 1992, the Lunyangwa Dam is the main
source of water for the piped water supply system in Mzuzu City. Over 250,000 people currently depend on the dam for water but the population of the catchment is estimated to be growing rapidly, with some projections suggesting it could reach 500,000 by 2030. To meet increasing demands, NRWB proposes to increase reservoir volume from 4.36Mm3 to 5.54Mm3
which will entail: Raising the concrete spillway by 1.5m. Construction of a 2m parapet wall on the existing dam crest with fill behind it. Inlet modifications at the intake tower. Reinstatement the dam monitoring equipment and instruments
To ensure safe operations of the modified dam, SMEC will deploy a team of dam safety experts and specialists to develop a comprehensive dam safety management plan that meets the requirements of the Malawi Dams Safety
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