07/11/2024
Nicholson Construction rehabilitates the Red Bluff dam ( Texas)
In the spring of 2023, Nicholson Construction was appointed general contractor for the Red Bluff Dam rehabilitation project in Orla, Texas, thanks to its recognized expertise in foundation grouting.
As part of the work, the 87-year-old foundations of the old embankment dam, stretching for some 2,743 metres, will be grouted in three rows along the length of the dam, at depths of up to around 60 metres.
Located 8 kilometers north of Orla, the dam was originally built on the Pecos River to provide irrigation for farmland from Red Bluff to the nearby town of Grandfalls. The dam’s remote location makes planning, coordinating, mobilizing and constructing the project particularly challenging.
Due to the complex geology of the site, the work includes: high and low mobility grouting, as well as microfine grouting. The entire grouting program will be monitored and controlled using GROUT I.T., Nicholson’s exclusive automated and computerized system.
Luca Barison, Senior Vice President of Pre-Construction for Major Projects at Nicholson, commented: “This is a challenging project due to the very complex geology. This project is based on an internal joint venture between two of our groups, Major Projects and Rocky Mountain Region, each bringing their unique expertise and experience. The teams are looking forward to rehabilitating Red Bluff Dam for the owner and local communities.”
Nicholson was mobilized to the site in May 2023. The project is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2025.
