The Aberdeen Lake Dam is an earthen dam originally built around 1908 and modified in 1964. It needed repairs and modifications for long-term safety and operational efficiency. The project, for the Regional District of North Okanagan, involved partial removal and replacement of the existing dam, replacement of the low-level outlet pipe, and installation of a new vertical gate with a gate chamber and access shaft. Everything had to support a potential future 5-meter rise in reservoir water level.

My role and contributions

As a structural designer, I designed several key components of the new water conveyance and control system: an upstream intake chamber, a 20-meter long access tunnel, a downstream outlet chamber, a customized energy dissipator, and an inlet wall with a flap valve.

My design work included:

  • Water conveyance system:

    • Developed the structural concept and performance specifications for the pre-cast concrete tunnel and valve chambers that house the new pipe assembly. (A specialized manufacturer handled the detailed pre-cast design; my design ensured integration.)
    • Designed the concrete pipe supports and anchorages for all anticipated operational and environmental pipe loads.
    • Designed concrete pedestals for the new gate valve assembly.

  • Access and support structures:

    • Designed an elevated steel platform and supports inside the new structures for safe operator access.
    • Engineered various equipment supports for the new dam components.

  • Key design considerations:

    • Worked within significant space constraints in both the new and existing interconnected structures.
    • Prioritized ease of use for operators in the tunnel and chamber layouts.
    • Selected materials and details to ensure durability of submerged structural members, accounting for installation stresses and long-term maintenance.
    • Designed for all relevant loading conditions, including seismic events.
    • Ensured all components could accommodate the future 5m reservoir water level increase.

  • Deliverables:

    • Produced structural calculations and detailed analyses for all my components.
    • Prepared design drawings and technical specifications.
    • My work fed directly into the design documents for the project tender process.