RIZZO has always had a particular dedication to dams and water resources projects.  We have continued to build upon this history through our work with regulatory agencies and environmental groups in both public and private sectors around the world.  Our projects range from small spillway design and construction to large dam rehabilitations, complete rebuilds, hydroelectric feasibility studies, and project development.

In addition to providing engineering and construction management services for dams and water resources projects, we have extensive experience in performing inspections and rehabilitation design services for various types of dams, including conventional concrete, Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC), earthfill, rockfill, masonry concrete gravity, buttress, and timber crib dams.

According to the Association of State Dam Safety Officials, there are currently over 2,000 dams in the United States that are classified as “unsafe” and have deficiencies, which may lead to failure.  RIZZO has a long history of performing Dam Safety Inspections for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).  When FERC needed assistance completing a large group of inspections in a relatively short period of time to meet their requirements they turned to RIZZO for our experience and expertise.

A typical dams and water resources project will include one or two of the following types of dams or facilities: conventional concrete or RCC dam, earth embankment dam, or hydroelectric facility.

For a complete listing of our dams and water resources projects, click here.

I. Conventional Concrete and RCC Dams

Many dam projects requiring rehabilitation involve the use of conventional concrete and/or Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC).

RIZZO routinely provides engineering services for existing conventional concrete dams that may not meet current Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) stability criteria.  Standard remedial designs for conventional concrete dams consist of the installation of post-tensioned anchors.  RCC is typically used in the construction of new concrete gravity dams.  The primary advantage of RCC over conventional concrete is its low cost and speed of construction.  RCC is also beneficial because it lacks the need for steel reinforcing or dowels, and does not require forms, finishing, formed or sawed joints.

Our staff has decades of experience with all aspects of RCC, including the production of lean and high paste RCC.  RIZZO has developed an extensive Quality Control Program which includes Lab Testing and Monitoring of RCC; mixing, conveying and placement; and crushing plants, mixing plants, and systems related to RCC production.

II. Earth Embankment Dams

Embankment dams are classified as either earthfill or rockfill depending on the materials used for construction.  At many sites, embankment dams are the most cost-effective water retaining structures, especially in remote areas.  The construction materials for embankment dams are usually excavated from borrow areas located near the dam site.

Our staff has over 30 years of experience in the analysis, design, and construction of earthfill and rockfill dams.  Our services for embankment dams includes dam safety inspections and training, stability analysis and design, geotechnical investigations, hydrologic and hydraulic studies, FERC interaction and Part 12 dam safety inspections, dam surveillance and monitoring plans, spillway analysis and design, construction services, Emergency Action Plans (EAP), Potential Failure Mode Analysis (PFMA), and feasibility studies and conceptual designs.

III. Hydroelectric Facilities

Many dams are part of a Hydroelectric Power Plant, which uses the pressure and flow of water to generate clean electricity.  In the United States, over 1,700 hydroelectric facilities and associated dams are licensed and regulated by FERC.  All FERC licensed dams are subjected to periodic safety inspections and environmental monitoring.  Our engineers stay current with the latest FERC requirements and dam safety issues affecting the market.  Our experience with FERC benefits both our national and international clients.

Pumped-Storage Hydroelectric facilities do not require a constant natural source of water; instead, water is released from a higher reservoir to a lower reservoir to generate power, when electricity is in demand.  When electricity is in demand, water is released from the higher reservoir to the lower reservoir.  When demand decreases and the cost of electricity is at its lowest, the water is pumped back into the higher reservoir.  We have experience with performing feasibility studies for proposed new pumped-storage facilities as well as the inspection and rehabilitation of existing facilities.

RIZZO has extensive experience in the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of hydroelectric facilities.  Several of our senior engineers also have decades of experience in the electric utility industry.  These individuals bring an “owners perspective” to the job on issues related to hydroelectric facilities.