DeCordova Bend Dam: Ultrasonic Tomography

The DeCordova Bend Dam forms the Lake Granbury Reservoir on the Brazos River southeast of Granbury, TX and was constructed between 1966 and 1969. In conjunction with other consultants, BDI performed concrete material sampling and a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) at select portions of the dam to facilitate operational and structural improvements to the dam. A portion of our NDE scope included 

• Ultrasonic Tomography Testing: Ultrasonic shear wave tomography (MIRA) testing was used to assess general concrete integrity in the vicinity of trunnion anchor bars at select concrete piers for the dam.

This project required a diverse set of certifications and expertise, including SPRAT rope access certification, specialized training and custom BDI-designed equipment for ultrasonic tomography testing in the vicinity of the trunnion anchor bars, and experience completing testing in the unique and challenging environmental conditions typical at dams. BDI’s team used rope techniques to access testing areas at concrete piers. Contour maps and statistical results for general concrete integrity were generated for the select concrete piers that were tested in the vicinity of the trunnion anchor bars.