Dams & Reservoirs

Since the 1940's, O'Brien & Gere has developed an international reputation for its expertise in dam engineering. With the design of the first major Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC) water supply dam east of the Mississippi River in the 1980’s, O’Brien & Gere continued to establish itself as a leader in the development of cost-effective solutions for complex dam and reservoir programs. Throughout this time period, our scientists, engineers, construction experts, planners, and funding and operations specialists have been planning, designing, siting, permitting, inspecting, and providing construction-phase services for new and existing dams and reservoirs throughout the world. Whether a water company or municipality, utility company or homeowners association, we work with our clients to address the complexities and technical challenges associated with their individual projects.

Utilizing an in-house staff of professionals, O’Brien & Gere applies its 360º Project Execution Process™ to provide clients with the full range of services that will effectively address the challenges associated with their dam and reservoir projects. This Process capitalizes on O’Brien & Gere’s ability to evaluate a program using a comprehensive problem-solving approach, and applies the specialized experience and knowledge of our staff to help clients address the following key challenges:

Aging and/or deteriorating dams and appurtenant structures
Increasing water supplies to meet growing demands
Upgrading dams to provide long-term reliability and compliance with existing regulations
Aggressive schedule and cost control requirements
Changing regulatory environments and policies
Responding to liability issues in order to manage risk

In responding to these challenges, O’Brien & Gere starts by evaluating issues from the client’s point of view. Then, we deliver quality, value-added results that capitalize on our 60 years of proven expertise and experience, as well as the strong relationships we have built with our clients and regulatory officials. Finally, we concentrate on providing practical, cost-effective, and proven long-term solutions for all involved stakeholders.

O’Brien & Gere’s dam and reservoir teams include specialists with backgrounds in hydrology and hydraulics, geotechnical analysis and design, structural engineering, site development, and eco-sciences. Together, this team provides clients with an array of services, including:

New dam and pumped storage reservoir designs

Dam rehabilitation and removal programs

GIS-based hydrologic and hydraulic analyses

Safe yield analyses

Flood damage surveys and evaluations

Drainage and storm water management studies

Emergency Action Plans and dam failure analyses

Siltation studies and hydrographic surveys

Vulnerability assessments

Operations evaluations and development of operation and maintenance manuals

Erosion control and sediment transport analyses

Environmental planning, impact studies, and permitting

Fish passage design

Ecological assessments

Overtopping protection via Roller Compacted Concrete and Articulated Concrete Blocks

Inspection and supervision of subsurface exploration programs

Hydroelectric power development

Project performance monitoring

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing and compliance assistance

Funding application assistance

Geotechnical analysis and design

Structural analysis and design

Master water planning

Design-build services