Boiling Springs Dam Rehabilitation – Structure Site No.1

Boiling Springs 1 is an existing dam structure that was constructed in 1973 in Latimer County, Oklahoma. It has operated for 45 of its 50-year design life. This site was originally designed as a low hazard structure. This dam structure has been re-classified as a high hazard due to downstream development.

To increase safety for the area, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) knew they needed to design a new solution that could perform as needed. They selected Affinis, as part of the Ad Astra team, for the Boiling Springs Dam Rehabilitation project. Together, Ad Astra will provide a design meeting current dam safety criteria and performance standards for a high hazard class structure. The design life will be extended to 100 years from the completion of construction.

Our team started by gathering information about the site. We conducted a site visit, reviewed the hydraulic and hydrologic reports, performed an early alternatives evaluation, and worked with a partner to collect geologic and soil mechanics data for the area. Each of these items was used to inform the design.

Based on our findings, we chose to install a new, roller compacted concrete spillway that is 216 feet wide. The dam crest also functions as a rural route for the area. Therefore , the new concrete spillway required the design of a 14 cell box bridge to convey traffic across the dam. We also recommended the inclusion of a new principal spillway inlet tower and slip lining of the existing outlet pipe. Together, these will provide more hydraulic capacity to meet the NRCS and State of Oklahoma dam safety requirements. Learn more about this complex project here.

Share this project: