Dams & Hydro

ARQ was responsible for the construction design of the dam in 2011. The initial design included a concrete lining over the full extent of the spillway chute, with associated energy dissipation structure at the end. Accommodating mine-start up budget constraints, only the dam and first 40 m of the spillway was completed by August 2013. A regime of ongoing monitoring of the unlined sandstone chute was introduced, and the remainder of the lining was anticipated to be provided when erosion so required it, and funding could be provided.

ARQ inspected the spillway after two years of operation in 2015 and recommended protection of the remainder of the spillway. The detail design, including hydraulic  & structural design (dowel design and drainage system to accommodate weak foundation), for the Phase 1 Lining Extension was completed by April 2018 and the associated tender documents for construction were prepared. Tenders by six bidders were evaluated during September 2018, and the contract for construction awarded early in October 2018.

ARQ was responsible for the construction monitoring and contract administration in terms of the FIDIC conditions of contract from November 2018 to May 2019. A full-time resident engineer was present on site.

Project details