Caribou Falls Block Dam 2 Reconstruction
Block Dam 2 is one of four embankment dams that contain the Caribou Falls Generating Station reservoir in northwestern Ontario. After 60 years of operation, the dam sustained unexpected slope movements. With KGS Group retained to carryout detailed design and construction supervision, Ontario Power Generation awarded the construction contract to Peter Kiewit Sons Ltd. Together, OPG, KGS and Kiewit reconstructed the dam through most of 2019 and finalized the work in late 2020.
The team applied advanced investigation and laboratory testing techniques, innovative materials, sound engineering judgement and progressive construction methodologies to design and build a new zoned rockfill dam with a cement-bentonite wall (CB wall) core. The design integrated constructability, risk mitigation and schedule saving strategies at the planning level.
Despite unforeseen challenges, all parties persevered using a “One Team” approach. As a result, the project was successfully completed, restoring the dam to modern standards and the station’s generating capacity while preserving the natural surroundings in this wild and beautiful project setting.
Project Highlights
- Detailed design, materials and lab testing, constructability planning, risk management assessments and construction supervision
- Full reconstruction of a 60-year-old structure
- New rockfill dam with cement‑bentonite cutoff wall core
- Progressive construction methodologies and schedule‑saving strategies embedded at planning
- Restored generating capacity and dam service, compliance with modern standards and improved stability and performance
