Tag Archives: dam safety

a man standing in a rain shower
Dam Building, dam design, Dam repair

Repairing Cracks and Seepage in Earth Dams

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

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.

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a pond with rocks and trees
Dam Building, dam design, Evaporation

Preparing Your Dam for Drought or Heavy Rainfall: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

As an expert dam builder with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and opportunities that come with managing dams through extreme weather events.

Whether you’re a landholder with a farm dam or responsible for a larger water storage, preparing your dam for drought or heavy rainfall is essential for protecting your assets, ensuring water security, and safeguarding downstream communities. In this guide, we will help you learn how to prepare your dam effectively.

To effectively prepare your dam, understanding the specific risks associated with your location is key. Regularly assessing your dam’s condition will help you prepare your dam for changing weather patterns.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the best practices, strategies, and maintenance routines to help your dam weather the extremes of drought and deluge.

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a pond with grass and trees
Dam Building, Australia Drought, dam design, Dam quality

Key Design Considerations for New Farm Dams

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Farm dams are critical infrastructure for agricultural operations in NSW, providing essential water security for livestock, irrigation, and firefighting. Proper design requires balancing hydrological needs, structural integrity, environmental protection, and regulatory compliance. From site selection to spillway engineering, every decision impacts long-term functionality. Implementing effective farm dams nsw is crucial for sustainable practices.

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a lake with trees in the background
Dam Building, dam design, Dam repair

Expert Guide to Expanding Your Farm Dam

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Expanding an existing farm dam is a major investment that can transform your property’s water security, productivity, and resilience.

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Big Ditch Dam Building Company How to Identify Early Signs of Cracks or Leaks in Earth Dams During Routine Checks
Dam Building, Dam quality, Dam repair

Preventive Measures: Recognizing Signs of Dam Cracks and Leaks

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

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.

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A man standing in front of a waterway with cows. Big Ditch Dam Building Company Regular maintenance inspections of farm dams
Dam Building, dam design, Dam repair

The Complete Handbook for Dam Maintenance

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

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.

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Big Ditch Dam Building Co Professional Dam Repairs
Dam repair, Dam Building

What Are The Reasons Dam Repairs Don’t Work?

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

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.

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Innovations-in-Spillway-Design-for-Dams-Ensuring-Safety-and-Efficiency
Dam Building

Innovations in Spillway Design for Dams: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

Posted on by Lindsey Angus Hughson

Innovations in spillway design for dams have significantly improved the safety and efficiency of these critical infrastructure projects. Dams play a vital role in managing water resources, providing hydroelectric power, and ensuring water supply for various purposes such as irrigation and municipal use. However, as essential as they are, dams can pose significant risks to downstream communities and the environment if not designed, maintained, and operated correctly. One crucial component of dam design is the spillway, which helps control water levels and discharge excess water during periods of heavy rainfall or flooding.

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