42 JULY 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Improving Safety and Performance at Eucha Dam Adapted from Information by Nicholson Construction Nicholson Construction has secured a contract with the Tulsa Metropolitan Utility Authority in Oklahoma, to undertake the rehabilitation of the Eucha Dam. This vital infrastructure initiative is designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of the dam. The extensive project will feature the installation of 96 posttensioned strand anchors, which will reinforce and stabilize the dam’s structure. The rehabilitation effort concentrates on three essential sections of the dam: the overflow, gated spillway, and nonoverlapping areas. The project involves anchoring depths varying from 100 to 171 feet. This ambitious undertaking showcases Nicholson Construction’s dedication to providing innovative solutions for intricate geotechnical challenges. The project features a thorough preproduction verification testing program to guarantee the anchors comply with all required safety and performance standards prior to full-scale deployment. The company will undertake about 12,500 linear feet of drilling through the concrete of the dam and the underlying Dolostone, necessitating the use of advanced drilling techniques and meticulous execution. All anchors will be subjected to performance testing at levels reaching 80% of their guaranteed minimum ultimate tensile strength. This comprehensive testing procedure is essential for ensuring the long-term stability and effectiveness of the dam’s structure. To ensure safe and efficient access throughout the dam, the company is introducing a range of innovative temporary solutions. A rail cart system will enable the seamless transportation of drill rigs and support equipment over the overflow sections. Furthermore, scaffolding and scaffolding-based work platforms will be set up to provide access to difficult areas, prioritizing both safety and operational efficiency. “This project is a testament to our ability to tackle large-scale, technically demanding infrastructure work,” said Cody Telgheder, Operations Manager at Nicholson Construction. "Our team is leveraging advanced engineering and logistical strategies to ensure the successful delivery of this critical rehabilitation.” Rehabilitation efforts for the Eucha Dam started at the beginning of this year and is projected to be finished by early 2026. GEOTECH
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