Bringing Predictability to an Unpredictable Environment™

Precast Modularity Is the Future of the Water Infrastructure Industry

Any Size. Any Shape.

Civil Solutions

Dam Rehabilitation/Encapsulation

Dam Rehabilitation and Reconstruction

The French Dam Retrofit System can be rapidly deployed and set in sequence to replace a weakened high hazard dam with precast concrete modules that are placed directly downstream of the existing dam. The most important reasons for leaving the existing dam in place is because of the deteriorated condition of the structure and the risk of release of historic contaminated sediments that are trapped behind the existing dam structure.

The EPA believes French Dam Retrofit reduces major risk to the river environment by leaving the existing dam in place and not disturbing the existing contaminated sediment.

After the retrofit is complete, French Development has a system for encapsulating the contaminated sediments in place. This is a major cost savings that contributes to many projects never coming to fruition do to the high cost of removing these highly contaminated sediments. This is a major risk reduction for these highly sensitive contaminated environments in the river systems.

The French Dam Solution can be completed in a matter of weeks versus months or years using cast in place structures.

Page 16 French Dam System French Development

Danger of Removing Dams Holding Hazardous Waste and Contaminated Soil

river contamination 2

Differential hydrostatic pressures after removing dam can move contaminated underground plumes into river flow/impoundment. Contaminating clean water supply.

Rapid Changes in River Flow Lead to Sudden Riverbed Changes, Exposing Superfund Site

Historical heavy industry deposited containments along the site through years.

Historical heavy industry deposited contaminants along the site for years.

FDE Hydro™ Solutions: Encapsulating/Retaining Contaminants Behind Decaying Dams

Click on an image below to enlarge it.

French Dam — Rapidly Deployable Solution for Dam Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
Dam Replacement or Refurbishment
Dam Rehabilitation
The French Dam can be rapidly deployed and set in sequence to replace a weakened high hazard dam with precast concrete modules. This can be completed in a matter of weeks verses months and years using cast in place.

  • Applies proven construction methods (precast concrete) in dam reconstruction
  • Integrates with hydropower turbine/BOP equipment off-site, assembled in a controlled environment and transport to site for “Plug-and-Play” solution adding value to existing non-powered sites
  • 100 years warranty on materials (*)
  • U.S. Patents issued, International patents pending

*Subject to manufacturer specification

Increase in Quality
The French Dam Rehabilitation
Repair existing earthen dams by installing a modular precast concrete wall that stabilizes the structure and acts as a water barrier.

  • Reduced Construction Time (4x), Cost (~60%)
  • Risk mitigation (moves primary construction to controlled environment)
  • Modular & Customizable – Integrates with wide variety of spillways, abutments, conduits, gates; customizable to fit site
  • Quality Control – Manufacturing off-site in controlled environment & shipped to site, allows for standardization of materials/components
Dam Raise
Dam Raise Reconstrcution
A complicated process of raising a dam can be simplified by utilizing modular precast technology. Removing the top layer of the material creates a solid surface for installation of modular precast units that are safely secured by anchoring them to the main structure of the dam.

This solution will save time, cost and project risk.