Bartlett's Ferry Dam Spillway Gates Replacement

Bartlett's Ferry Dam Spillway Gates Replacement

Bartlett's Ferry Dam Spillway Gates Replacement

Bartlett's Ferry Dam Spillway Gates Replacement

Largest gate replacement project in U.S. history

Client

Georgia Power Company

Project Location

Forston, GA

Timeframe 

2011-2018

Constructed in 1926, the Bartlett’s Ferry Hydroelectric Plant, owned by Georgia Power Company and located on the Chattahoochee River in Forston, GA, stands as a testament to sustainable energy. Featuring a concrete gravity dam, two powerhouses, and a labyrinth spillway, the plant plays a vital role in the region’s energy infrastructure. After nearly a century of operation, the plant faced a critical challenge: the deterioration of its 19 spillway gates. This project, unprecedented in scope, scale, and magnitude within the United States, required a comprehensive approach to replace all gates, marking a significant milestone in the hydroelectric industry.

This project was a collaborative effort with notable contributions from Cianbro, Keystone Industrial, Alignment Services of North America, Powerhouse Mechanical Repairs, Glenn Underwater Construction Services, and G&A Consulting Engineers. Embracing LEAN construction practices, the team fostered a culture of continuous improvement, enhancing safety, quality, and productivity throughout the two-year construction phase.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Reliability: The replacement of the 21 spillway gates and the introduction of new 20-ton gantrycrane-type gate hoists have significantly upgraded the plant’s operational efficiency.

Expanded Infrastructure Lifespan: Through meticulous engineering and the replacement of aging infrastructure with state-of-the-art components, the plant’s operational lifespan has been significantly extended.

Cost Savings and Risk Mitigation: Innovative prefabrication and pre-assembly of spillway gates provided substantial cost savings to Georgia Power Company.

Setting Industry Benchmarks: The scale, scope, and innovation demonstrated in this project have garnered national attention, positioning the client at the forefront of sustainable energy practices.

Sustainable, Reliable, and Efficient

This project was a collaborative effort with notable contributions from Cianbro, Keystone Industrial, Alignment Services of North America, Powerhouse Mechanical Repairs, Glenn Underwater Construction Services, and G&A Consulting Engineers. Embracing LEAN construction practices, the team fostered a culture of continuous improvement, enhancing safety, quality, and productivity throughout the two-year construction phase.

Enhanced Operational Efficiency and Reliability:

The replacement of the 21 spillway gates and the introduction of new 20-ton gantrycrane-type gate hoists have significantly upgraded the plant’s operational efficiency.

Expanded Infrastructure Lifespan:

Through meticulous engineering and the replacement of aging infrastructure with state-of-the-art components, the plant’s operational lifespan has been significantly extended.

Cost Savings and Risk Mitigation:

Innovative prefabrication and pre-assembly of spillway gates provided substantial cost savings to Georgia Power Company.

Setting Industry Benchmarks:

The scale, scope, and innovation demonstrated in this project have garnered national attention, positioning the client at the forefront of sustainable energy practices.