Dam Building
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Water is very important for farming. Farm dams are crucial for irrigation, cattle, and keeping rural communities alive in Australia and around the world.
But every year, millions of litres of valuable water are lost to evaporation, especially in hot, dry places like much of inland Australia.
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.
Calculating the right dam size and capacity for a farm dam requires balancing water demand, evaporation losses, catchment hydrology, and site-specific engineering factors. Here’s a systematic approach refined over decades of agricultural water management.
Expanding an existing farm dam is a major investment that can transform your property’s water security, productivity, and resilience.
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.
Evaporation loss from farm dams in Australia is a great challenge to water security, ranging from 9% to 36% loss of total volume of water in summer. Reliable quantification and prediction of losses are complicated by numerous factors that include meteorology, dam shape, and inaccuracies in measurement. This paper explores the complexities of evaporation estimation, the limitations of current practice, and the potential for improvement through advanced modeling and abatement technologies like floating covers and windbreaks. Understanding these dynamics is essential to effectively manage water in Australia’s agricultural regions.
The article discusses how climate change exacerbates heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and floods. Rising temperatures, altered jet streams, feedback loops, and urban heat islands intensify heatwaves. Changes in precipitation patterns, evaporation rates, and weakened wet seasons worsen droughts. Climate change prolongs wildfire seasons, increases fuel dryness, and leads to more lightning strikes. Additionally, warmer air, sea-level rise, river flooding, and flash flooding contribute to more severe floods. The article emphasizes the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable land use, invest in climate resilience, advance climate science, and advocate for policy changes to address these challenges.
Earth dams are versatile structures that serve a multifaceted role in flood control and disaster management. Floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters that can wreak havoc on communities, causing immense damage to property, infrastructure, and, most tragically, human lives. The frequency and intensity of flooding occurrences have risen due to climate change and urbanisation, making it imperative for us to explore and employ effective flood control and disaster management strategies. Among the various flood control measures, earth dams have emerged as vital structures that play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of floods and managing disaster situations. In this thesis, we will dive deep into the significance of earth dams in flood control and disaster management, exploring their functions, benefits, and their role in safeguarding communities.
The New South Wales (NSW) Government is setting its sights on doubling the water supply from Sydney’s $2 billion desalination plant to counteract the anticipated rise in temperatures. According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Australia is on the verge of experiencing its hottest summer on record in 2024, which is expected to heighten the risk of drought.
Australia is in for a turbulent weekend with extreme weather on both coasts. The west battles a scorching heatwave, while the east faces heavy rains and flash flooding threats. Temperatures in Western Australia’s south-west may reach 39°C, but relief is expected next week. Meanwhile, the east anticipates widespread showers and thunderstorms. South Australia also faces thunderstorms, while Brisbane and the Gold Coast brace for heavy rain. Stay informed and safe amidst this weekend’s meteorological challenges
Preventing and mitigating dam siltation is essential to ensure the long-term effectiveness of these vital infrastructure projects.
Dams are critical infrastructure that provides a range of benefits, from water supply and hydroelectric power generation to flood control and irrigation. However, over time, they face a common challenge known as “siltation” or “silting up.” Siltation occurs when sediment, primarily sand, silt, and clay, accumulates in the reservoir behind the dam, reducing its storage capacity and effectiveness. In this article, I’ll look at the causes of dam siltation and discuss effective strategies and solutions to prevent and mitigate this problem.
Surviving with less water is a skill that can be valuable in various situations, from dealing with water scarcity in everyday life to emergency scenarios in the wild.
Water is essential for life. It’s not just vital for staying hydrated, but also for cooking, cleaning, agriculture, and countless other daily activities. However, in certain situations, such as during droughts, emergencies, or while exploring remote regions, access to ample water may be limited.
In this article, I explore essential strategies and give you tips on how to survive with less water, ensuring that you can adapt and thrive even when faced with water scarcity.
The unpredictability of the drought wreaking havoc in NSW is a stark reminder of the tenacity and will of the Australian people.
Australia, a country renowned for its stark environmental issues and contrasted beauty, is once again facing the terrible power of nature. Currently, towns and farmers in the state of New South Wales (NSW) are struggling due to an unpredictable drought, which poses a severe threat. We go deep into this dilemma in this blog article, telling the moving story of a farmer struggling against the wrath of nature.
Water is one of our planet’s most valuable resources, and managing it effectively is crucial. Dams play a significant role in water management, storing water for a variety of uses, including hydroelectric power production, drinking water supply, and irrigation.
However, dams are not immune to issues, and leakage is one of the most prevalent problems they face. While there are solutions available to address dam leakage, it’s essential to understand that Watersave, a polymer-based product known for its water retention capabilities, may not be the panacea for this particular challenge.
In this blog post, I’ll look at the complexities of dam leakage and why Watersave may not be the solution you’re looking for.
Dams are marvels of engineering. They provide a myriad of benefits like water storage, electricity generation, flood control, and even recreational opportunities. However, the construction of a dam is a complex process that requires meticulous planning, engineering expertise, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Let’s delve into the most common mistakes encountered in dam construction.
Dams are critical infrastructure that serve various purposes, from water supply to flood control and hydroelectric power generation. These structures are designed to withstand the test of time, but like any other infrastructure, they are not immune to wear and tear. Neglecting the maintenance and inspection of dams can lead to costly repairs, environmental disasters, and even loss of life. In this blog post, we will explore why investing just $500 in a site inspection of your dam can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Big Ditch Dam Building Company has established itself as a frontrunner in the field of dam construction. With its unwavering commitment to engineering excellence, superior project management, and a strong focus on environmental sustainability, the company has left an indelible mark on the industry.
Farm owners in different places have experienced different problems when it comes to water storage. Over the millennia, agriculture and different empires have flourished from the ability to tap excess water and store it for future use. The ancient empires of Egypt, Israel, Babylon, and even the Chinese empires did this. This is not to …
Sometimes, you just look up and have to be amazed. The big fella upstairs doing some afternoon painting with clouds over the Big Ditch HQ Triangle dam and the Crescent dam showing us some dam fine show. 5.10pm Sunday 12 April 2020 Crescent Head
Day 5 of The Razorback Dam Project. Razorback Mountain. 1 hr south of Sydney The final 4 tonnes of Bentonite gets worked into the leaking dam wall. Previous parts: Days 3-4Day 2Day 1 and overview On Day 4, the weather wasn’t kind to us, so today was slippery and sticky. We had been 2 days …
While the dam building is not new and its roots can be traced back to 4th- 3d centuries B.C., throughout the history of the development, it underwent huge changes. The majority of them were introduced in the 20th century, which was not so long ago. That’s what old school dam building was like in 1900 …
The Razorback Dam Seal works in progress. Day 3. Shake & bake. The false land bridge is rolled back on the leaking wall and Bentonite layers 1 & 2 go in. Razorback Dam Seal nuances A total of 4 tonnes of Bentonite is applied to the new dam wall material with the excavator being used …
Previous part Prepping the wedge wall through the middle of the existing dam as a solution for a leaking dam. This wall will then be rolled back in layers onto the existing leaking dam wall while being mixed with water from the upside of the dam. Each layer will be infused with Bentonite when rolled …
This dam would have to be the most beautiful dam I have ever seen in 15 years of looking at dams globally. It is absolutely world class with cutting edge design that redefines what a dam can be.
The best clay for sealing a dam is white clay because it will create a permanent seal. Avoid using red clay, because it is dispersive, and it ill let water travel through the wall and exit the dam
Design concepts for the dam refurbishment & rehabilitation at Robert Oatley Olives. Robert Oatley was one of Australia’s greatest yachtsmen – known for owning the nine-time Sydney-Hobart-winning yacht Wild Oats XI. He owned Hamilton Island & Rosemount Wines – which was the second largest wine brand in the US. Forbes ranked Mr Oatley as the …
Design concepts for a unique destination & experience AirBNB project with a heavy emphasis on permaculture and organic style. Located in the hills outside of Port Macquarie, this project is the brainchild of an innovative and creative young couple who are determined to showcase progressive permacutlure principles for their visitors.
States should ‘raise their fingers and do a little bit with us’ says Federal Water Minister David Littleproud New South Wales “has actually done a great deal of heavy lifting however other states have not” he said Littleproud has warned it will take a minimum of two years for farmers to recoup their losses …
Taxpayers have funded as many as 30 huge dams on land owned by private interests and big agriculture firms. These brand-new dams have been built on private property, with money coming from the Commonwealth’s $4 billion water efficiency program. Two of the dam projects cost taxpayers nearly $30 million. The dam projects were subject to …
A public service announcement for unhappily married acreage-owning men who hope for a better future
The Berejiklian administration’s contentious plans to sidestep environmental and planning rules in a bid to fast-track water facilities in drought-affected communities has been authorised by cabinet. This enables Water Minister Melinda Pavey and Planning Minister Rob Stokes to reduce the need to carry out biodiversity studies – leaving planning decisions to WaterNSW. WaterNSW said this …
. Dam levels across NSW hit record lows. It’s developing into a glass half empty situation with no rain in the long range weather forecast through to February 2020
There’s one thing that farmers really like – and when they get it, they like it long, hard & wet
A new 20,000,000 litre water security project for the ultra premium super-fine merino fleece producer in Australia and 3 time winner of the premium global Ermenegildo Zegna fine wool award. Zegna is unique in the men’s fashion world for owning 100% of its supply chain. Ermenegildo Zegna spins ultrafine merino wool from farms in Australia …
The State Government has reached into it’s pockets and pulled out $50 million for the current drought dilemma The NSW Government has decided to make it rain money to confront the state’s H2O crisis situation. The Minister for Water announced the $50m to target a number of major water infrastucture initiatives $39 million will …
Big Ditch’s ‘Catch Every Drop’ tells the story of the crippling drought in Australia. This is the cinema long-form version edit of ‘Catch Every Drop’ – for showing at cinemas before features – with guest appearance by Jimmy Barnes.
Hoover dam was built in the 1930’s and we know that infrastructure deteriorates with time. So when will it need significant repair or replacement? No expense was spared in the quality of the design and construction of Hoover Dam. It is an arch dam. Arch dams are the Cadillac of dams in terms of meticulous …
Large dams capture lost rainwater run-off for avocado growers Avocado growers always worry about their dam levels and their ability to effectively harvest rainwater. The dam for Josh McMillan is completed. Large dams are helping Comboyne avocado growers like Josh McMillan ensure their water security for their stock and crops. These rainwater harvesting systems allow …