Wanapum/Priest Rapids Automation

Wanapum Dam and Priest Rapids Dam, located on the Columbia River in central Washington, are hydroelectric dams which have operated since 1963 and 1961, respectively. The structures play a crucial role in the region’s power generation, along with supporting irrigation, recreation, and fish passage. Both dams are owned and operated by the Grant County Public Utility District (GCPUD). Since 2015, BDI has partnered with GCPUD to provide pin friction testing on the dams’ steel spillway Tainter Gates. Pin friction is a key indicator of gate performance, as excessive friction may signal poor lubrication or misalignment, and leads to increased steel stresses which may reduce the lifespan of the gates.

In 2020, BDI expanded its role by designing and installing automated monitoring systems to measure pin friction, eliminating the need for repeated testing mobilizations. BDI developed a streamlined instrumentation plan that accurately estimates pin friction with fewer sensors, calibrated using data from earlier tests. The system was designed with BDI’s custom-built strain transducers, tiltmeters, all integrated with BDI’s STS (Structural Testing System) hardware and software. To access hard-to-reach components, BDI’s SPRAT-certified technicians and engineers employed rope access techniques, ensuring safe and efficient instrumentation across all gates.

BDI successfully installed and commissioned the system in September 2020. Maintenance and repairs were carried out in July 2025, including waterproofing enhancements and repairs to water-damaged components. GCPUD now has on-demand access to pin friction results, empowering them to monitor gate performance and make better-informed maintenance decisions.