Nuclear Power Project Detail

Pond B Dam Analysis, Repair Design, and Construction Support

Location

Savannah River Site, South Carolina

Client

Westinghouse Savannah River Company

Services Provided

Seismic and Liquification Analyses
Hydrology and Hydraulic Analysis
Seepage and Stability Analyses
Conceptual Design Alternative Analysis
Remedial Design
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
Cost Estimates
Permitting and Construction Support
Operations and Maintenance Manual
Resident Engineering

Project Overview

Pond B Dam is a zoned embankment dam with an asphalt-concrete mat on the upstream face for erosion protection. The dam has a height of approximately 50 feet and crest length of 1,750 feet. The sediments in the pond are contaminated with radionuclides. Schnabel provided a comprehensive investigation and analysis of the dam to evaluate its stability under static and seismic loading. The investigation included soil borings, seismic piezocone penetration tests (SCPT), test pit sampling, installation of piezometers through the dam and downstream, static stability analysis, seepage flow analysis, seismic analysis using SHAKE, laboratory soils testing for standard parameters, and triaxial shear testing. The seismic stability evaluation for Pond B was conducted using industry standard engineering analytical methods in conformance with guidelines provided by FERC (1991) guidelines for seismic analysis of dams. Hydrology and hydraulic modeling of flow conditions were also developed.

A Conceptual Design Alternative Analysis was prepared to correct instability due to seismic loading, to repair the asphalt-concrete face, and for seepage control. Cost estimates were developed for alternatives and for a replacement dam. After alternatives were selected, a final design was prepared with construction drawings and specifications in CSI format. In addition, a Maintenance and Operations Manual was prepared for use by the client.

The investigation, analysis, alternatives assessment, and remedial design of the project were completed under a fast-track schedule of about seven months. All work was performed under strict QA/QC requirements set by WSRC.

Construction support included a full-time resident engineer to monitor construction.

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