Due to aging, this client’s dam needed continually increasing maintenance. Because of additional issues, like safe access and potential generation loss, the City of St. Cloud asked Barr to evaluate potential replacement options for the dam’s existing trip-gate system. Considerations we took into account included system advantages and disadvantages, construction cost, effectiveness, safety, maintenance, and facilities with similar systems. The options study, which was completed on schedule and under budget, resulted in Barr’s recommendation of a crest-gate option, which the client chose to pursue.
Our design included a crest-gate system, spillway retrofits, a cofferdam, upgraded electrical components (transformer and generator), and a new equipment room with HVAC. We also completed structural, electrical, and mechanical design. In addition, we provided an estimated construction schedule, estimated production-loss quantities due to construction phasing, and construction support. We also assisted with updating the dam-break analysis prior to the gate project to help ensure the facility would have adequate spill capacity.
This upgrade has made a positive difference in the facility’s operation, with the city seeing record or near-record energy-production quantities since the gate system’s installation.