The Extraordinary Engineering of Building a New Dam in Front of an Old One

TLDRA new dam is being built in front of an old dam in Switzerland due to the old dam's damage and inability to be repaired. The new dam is designed to be stronger and more efficient, using a double curvature structure. Construction is challenging due to the remote and harsh mountainous location. The project involves controlled explosives, building staggered dam walls, and carving a tunnel through the mountain. The construction process is shaped by the extraordinary location, including using on-site concrete production and working day and night to maximize the construction window.

Key insights

🚧A new dam is being built in front of an old dam in Switzerland due to the old dam's damage and inability to be repaired.

💪The new dam is designed to be stronger and more efficient, using a double curvature structure.

⛰️Construction is challenging due to the remote and harsh mountainous location.

💣The construction process involves controlled explosives for clearing space and building staggered dam walls.

🚧A tunnel is being carved through the mountain for water discharge and sediment removal.

Q&A

Why is a new dam being built in front of the old one?

The old dam is severely damaged and cannot be repaired. Building a new dam is the best solution to ensure the safety and functionality of the reservoir.

How is the new dam designed to be stronger?

The new dam uses a double curvature structure, which allows for thinner walls while maintaining the necessary strength to hold back the water.

What are the challenges of construction in the mountainous location?

The remote location and harsh weather conditions make transportation and logistics difficult. The construction team also needs to ensure the stability of the dam in the mountainous terrain.

What methods are used in the construction process?

Controlled explosives are used for clearing space and building staggered dam walls. A tunnel is also being carved through the mountain for water discharge and sediment removal.

When will the construction be completed?

The construction is expected to be fully completed by 2025.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the project and the need to build a new dam in front of the old dam due to its damage and inability to be repaired.

01:00Explanation of the construction challenges and the remote mountainous location of the project.

02:47Description of the design of the new dam and its double curvature structure for increased strength and efficiency.

04:09Overview of the construction process, including the use of controlled explosives for clearing space and building staggered dam walls.

05:49Explanation of the tunnel excavation for water discharge and sediment removal.

07:33Discussion of the challenges faced in the construction process, such as the harsh weather conditions and the need for round-the-clock work.

08:37Highlighting the unique features of the project, including on-site concrete production and the historical significance of the old dam.

09:29Details about the progress of the construction and the expected completion timeframe.