Dams & Hydro

Aloe Cove Dam at Zwartkop, near Krugersdorp, is the second highest new generation rubble masonry concrete (RMC) dam yet constructed in South Africa. Containing over 15 000 m³ of masonry, it also represents the largest dam yet of this type.  The 23m structure is situated on the Crocodile River and is classified as a Category III dam (largest) in terms of the South African dam safety legislation. The dam has a spillway capacity of 3000 m³/s.

The dam was constructed using low skill workers with no previous experience in dam construction by a private owner on a relatively major river. Using RMC allowed the construction of this relatively large dam for a cost of less than 60% of any other alternative dam type. A significant secondary benefit was derived in the employment and skills development generated.

The successful performance of the dam during the passage of several significant floods during its operation to date bears testament to the durability and effectiveness of rubble masonry concrete for the construction of major dams.  ARQ was responsible for the first dam safety inspection and investigation in late 2011, which demonstrated the dam to be behaving and performing very well.

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