A spillway gate is also referred to as a stop gate. These are adjustable gates which can control the water flow of rivers, streams and reservoirs. Therefore, they act as a type of barrier as well for storage of additional water too. They help to...
Dams are important structures that are constructed to store water. This water, generally from a channel, can later be used for work involving electricity and irrigation. Dams are also critical in flood control. What is a dam spillway and why are they important? Although the majority...
Hydropower, also referred to as hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity, is dependent on moving water. Water is the largest single renewable energy source responsible for electricity generation in America. We live in a world that is increasingly interested in renewable energy, and hydropower is arguably the oldest...
We all know how bad fossil fuels are for the environment. With the focus starting to shift away from these damaging non-renewable sources of energy, the arguments in favor of renewable green energy are ever-increasing. However, if you don’t know a lot about renewable energy...
Dams have existed for a long time. It is believed that, over 7,000 years ago, the Mesopotamians constructed dams to control the water level of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. In 2900 BC, the first dam in recorded history was constructed, a masonry structure fifteen...
Dam repair and construction are deeply rooted in Gracon’s history and future. We understand that dam construction is complex as all dams are unique in structure. Yes, their purpose is to control water movement, but a big aspect contributing to their differences is what type...
Colorado laws governing dam and reservoirs were enacted to protect lives and property due to potential hazards associated with the storage of water in the reservoir behind a dam. The owner, or developer, of a dam is responsible for the safe storage of water impounded...
Gracon will replace two high-pressure slide gates at the Paonia Dam near Somerset, CO. This $4.5M project includes installing a 12-foot diameter bulkhead at the bottom of the lake, requiring the use of a barge-mounted crane and divers. Along with the bulkhead and gate works,...
There is some confusion around the difference between weirs and barrages, more particularly how they fit in the spectrum of dams category as a whole. Effectively, both weirs and barrages are what’s called headworks that are used to increase the head of water on the...
From ancient times to modern times, civilizations build dams of varying designs to divert water flow, irrigate lands and generate power supply. There is one in particular which has the reputation for fascinating historians and engineers that come across it. It is the 2000-year-old Grand Anicut...