Grand River Dam Authority – Salina, OK
The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is a key provider of hydroelectric power in the region. Established in the 1960s, the facility has been instrumental in supplying energy to Salina, OK, and surrounding areas. The GRDA’s hydroelectric operations involve a network of canals, where significant wear and tear over decades necessitated repairs to ensure continued service and efficiency.
Scope of Work
The restoration project focuses on repairing and replacing urethane joints within the canal system. The total length of the joint repairs and replacements spans over a quarter mile. The process includes cutting the joints to prepare them for the application of a three-part waterproofing system:
- Joint sealant
- Flexi-tape embedded in waterproofing compound
- Roll-on additional top coat waterproofing compound. A total of approximately 11,000 linear feet of the compound was applied to ensure a comprehensive and durable seal.
Challenges and Solutions
The project presented several challenges due to the active nature of the canal. The canal is typically filled with water and requires a month to drain before restoration work can begin. This prolonged downtime posed a significant scheduling challenge. Additionally, due to the canal’s tight timeline for shutdown, the restoration needed to be completed efficiently during the winter and with high attention to detail. To ensure worker safety, rolling tie-off anchors were used, providing restraint fall protection for workers. One unit of these anchors provides fall protection for two workers at a time, maintaining safety protocols without hindering progress.
Results
Upon completion of the restoration, the GRDA canal system will be restored to full functionality on schedule. The waterproofing system provided long-term protection to the joints, preventing further wear and ensuring efficient water flow through the canal. This project enables the facility to continue generating hydroelectric power for the region, supporting its role as a critical energy provider. The canal, once refilled, returned to its full operational capacity, ensuring GRDA’s continued contribution to regional power supply.
