| Civil engineering solutions
Dam good roads The innovative use of dam sediments, stabilised with
eucalyptus wood ash (EA) and cement, is proving to be a suitable and sustainable material for road construction in Thailand. Over 20 of the country’s hydropower dams managed by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DAEDE) face significant challenges from excessive sediment buildup. This accumulation reduces storage capacity, impairs discharge, diminishes flood control, lowers electricity generation efficiency, and can impact dam safety. Sediment removal is conducted regularly to maintain functionality and safety, but the excavated materials are often classified as waste and disposed of in landfills. However, in an innovative move, DAEDE has begun repurposing excavated dam sediments for road construction to address disposal challenges in agricultural regions. A pilot project in Nan Province utilised sediments
from the Namwa Dam, treated with local stabilisers such as cement and eucalyptus ash (EA). Untreated sediments alone may not meet construction standards, but combining them with EA improves strength and durability, offering a sustainable solution. This approach aligns with circular economy principles, reducing waste, conserving resources, and lowering costs compared to new materials. Cost analysis has demonstrated that utilising stabilised dam sediments is considerably more cost-
effective than using conventional earthen materials and is primarily attributed to the proximity of the sediment source to the construction site, and the negligible material costs associated with EA, which is considered a waste byproduct. Leaching tests also show that the stabilised sediments, treated with EA and cement, are environmentally benign, with heavy metal concentrations falling significantly below established regulatory thresholds. As a result, the application of EA-cement-stabilised sediments presents a promising eco-friendly alternative for road construction, contributing to reduced environmental impact. These findings underscore the innovative
integration of waste materials into high-performance construction applications, advancing the principles of circular economy and sustainability.
References
Pouya Amies, Xiaohua Jin & Sepani Senaratne (2024) Critical Success Factors Over Lifecycle of Dam Engineering Projects, Engineering Management Journal, 36:5, 479-493, DOI: 10.1080/10429247.2024.2329866
Sustainable road construction materials incorporating dam sediment and eucalyptus ash waste: A circular economy framework by Nunthanis Wongvatana, Asarut Noorak , Hatairat Poorahong, Pornkasem Jongpradist, Susit Chaiprakaikeow, Pitthaya Jamsawang. Case Studies in Construction Materials 22 (2025) e04118
www.waterpowermagazine.com | March 2025 | 37
Below: Large tracked dredging digger used for reservoir clearing in Thailand
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