Item: Evaluation, Design and Construction of Avalanche Protection Structures for the Mica Dam, Canada
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Title: Evaluation, Design and Construction of Avalanche Protection Structures for the Mica Dam, Canada
Proceedings: International Snow Science Workshop 2014 Proceedings, Banff, Canada
Authors:
- Greg Johnson [ WSA Engineering Ltd., Castlegar, BC, Canada ]
- Alan Jones [ Dynamic Avalanche Consulting Ltd., Revelstoke, BC, Canada ]
- Owen Williams [ BC Hydro, Burnaby, BC, Canada ]
Date: 2014-09-29
Abstract: The "Great Wall of Mica" was constructed in 2011 at the base of BC Hydro's Mica Dam, 130 km north of Revelstoke, Canada. This barrier was designed to stop avalanches, which will protect workers, vehicles, equipment and structures. This 89 m long avalanche defense barrier stands 3.75 m tall by 3 m wide, and was constructed using 1,218 interlocking and freestanding concrete lock-blocks. It was designed to be overtopped, but withstand impacts from a minimum 30-year design avalanche. A Structured Project Decision Matrix was used to evaluate 12 risk treatment alternatives, 6 of which were unique structural barrier types. This Decision Matrix considered 10 discrete requirements, including: health and safety (risk to workers during and post-construction), costs (construction, maintenance, decommissioning), environmental impacts, footprint and impact to the work area, and the project schedule. Aesthetics and value were intangible criteria also considered in the evaluation. Through this structured evaluation process, the best solution was determined to be a barrier made of interlocking and freestanding concrete lock-blocks. Although more complicated solutions were considered, the lock-block barrier provided the best combination of aesthetics and value, and most importantly one that could be constructed within the tight project schedule. The evaluation, design and construction of this barrier was completed in summer and fall of 2011.
Object ID: ISSW14_paper_P3.43.pdf
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s):
Keywords: Avalanche protection, Avalanche risk, Project management
Page Number(s): 1088-1094
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