Short answer: To fix a leaking dam, first work out whether the loss is evaporation or seepage, then match the repair to your soil. The four proven methods are compacting a clay blanket, laying a bentonite blanket, applying gypsum to dispersive clay, and installing an HDPE or polypropylene liner. Cost rises in that order, and …
Category Archives: Dam repair
Dam Building
A Beginner’s Guide To Building Your First Earth Dam
Short answer: Building your first earth dam involves selecting a suitable site with impermeable soil, ...
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Dam Building
Roy Hill Project: Delivering A Major Dam In Mining Country
Short answer: The Roy Hill project involved constructing a major water storage dam in the ...
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Short answer: Big Ditch Aquatecture has received legal threats from Polymer Innovations regarding our honest assessment of their dam sealing products, and we are responding with full transparency about our position. We stand behind the accuracy and integrity of our content, which is based on real-world dam building experience and genuine customer outcomes. Our commitment …
Short answer: Bentonite clay works for dam sealing when the dam is structurally sound and you’re dealing with general seepage through a permeable basin – not a piping leak through the wall, gravel under the floor, or a structural defect. The best results come from draining the dam, scarifying the surface, mixing bentonite into the …
Why do dams leak? In my 30 years building and repairing farm dams, I see the same 6 causes: poor compaction, bad clay, pipes, trees, burrows, and spills.
Short answer: Odour in farm dams is almost always caused by decomposing organic matter, algae blooms, or low dissolved oxygen levels. Stagnant water with high nutrient loads from stock waste, fertiliser runoff, or decaying vegetation creates the ideal conditions. Most odour problems can be resolved by improving water circulation, reducing nutrient inputs, and managing vegetation …
Earth dams are vital for water storage, flood control, irrigation, and environmental management. However, their safety and longevity are continually threatened by cracks and seepage—issues that, if neglected, can escalate into catastrophic failure.
Drawing on over 30 years of award-winning dam engineering experience, this in-depth guide provides a comprehensive overview of diagnosing, repairing, and preventing cracks and seepage in earth dams, integrating proven field practices, modern materials, and the latest diagnostic technologies.
Expanding an existing farm dam is a major investment that can transform your property’s water security, productivity, and resilience.
Maintaining the integrity of an earth dam is a critical responsibility for any dam owner or operator. Early detection of cracks or leaks can prevent catastrophic failures, safeguard downstream communities, and protect valuable water resources. Drawing on over 30 years of experience in earth dam construction and maintenance, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps, signs, and best practices for identifying early warning signs of structural distress during routine inspections.
structured approach to maintenance. Drawing on three decades of hands-on experience and the latest best practices, this comprehensive guide breaks down what you should look for and do on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis to ensure your dam remains a reliable asset and a visual highlight on your property.
Without regular checks and proper maintenance, even a well-built dam can fail—risking property damage, environmental harm, and public safety. A dam inspection helps owners spot early warning signs before they develop into serious hazards.
Faced with extended dry periods, many Australian farmers are considering repairing failing or leaking dams to boost their water supply for when the rain returns. However, dam repairs are typically complex and costly projects that should only begin when the root causes of failure and suitable restoration plans are clearly understood.