Services Provided:
Site access, temporary dam construction, dewatering, structural concrete work, riprap installation, and final stabilization
Project Details:
This project involved critical repairs to an aging dam on a private ranch in Central Texas. The dam, originally constructed to impound a perennial creek, had developed a significant leak that was threatening its structural integrity and impeding water storage.
Our team began by establishing site access and building a temporary dam system using on-site aggregate, pond liner, and heavy clay to isolate the work area. Through careful water management — including continuous pumping, trenching, and sediment control — we were able to draw down water levels and stabilize the site for excavation.
Once dewatered, we excavated a trench and placed a new reinforced concrete slab to address erosion and support future flows. This phase included site coordination with multiple subcontractors, including concrete crews and specialty material suppliers. To control seepage, sodium bentonite was strategically installed below and around the structure, using both bulk super sacks and sealing strips.
Upon curing of the concrete, we armored the upstream and downstream faces with riprap stone to ensure long-term protection against erosion. Final site work included contouring of the creek bed, removal of all temporary infrastructure, and stabilization of access paths using excess material.
This project required ongoing coordination under tight timelines, frequent adaptations to field conditions, and continuous dewatering efforts — all while protecting sensitive downstream flow. The result is a strengthened and watertight dam that will serve the ranch for years to come.
