Successful overtopping protection projects in the Eastern U.S.

Hepler, T. and Crookston, B. and Crowder, J. (2018) Successful overtopping protection projects in the Eastern U.S. In: Protections 2018 (3rd International Conference on Protection against Overtopping), 6-8 June 2018, Grange-over-Sands, UK.

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Abstract

The two most commonly used systems for erosion protection of embankment dams and earthen spillways in the United States consist of roller-compacted concrete (RCC) and articulating concrete blocks (ACB). Schnabel Engineering has designed and observed the construction of nineteen RCC and eleven ACB armoring projects during the past 20 years. These overtopping protection systems are most frequently selected as economic solutions to address various spillway deficiencies, in lieu of more conventional alternatives. This paper tabulates the basic details of each project, including project name, location, completion date, armoring height, and design depth of overtopping. Three RCC projects and three ACB projects located in the eastern U.S. are then highlighted to provide additional design details (including project cost) and present unique aspects and challenges associated with each project. Finally, the successful performance of one of the RCC projects during an estimated 25-year storm event in September 2009 is described. The information presented in this paper regarding the design application, installation, and performance of RCC and ACB overtopping protection systems in the eastern U.S. should be of interest to engineers involved with dam safety and erosion protection systems worldwide.

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