The Addicks and Barker dams in Houston are two reservoirs that are deemed high threats due to seepage flow management issues. This paper suggests the best way to fix the vulnerabilities of dams that can exacerbate flood harm. The failure of the storm-water infrastructure would result in significant damages for the areas around the man-made features. The paper discusses the problem's engineering fundamentals. Aside from providing a history of the two reservoirs, the article discusses three potential alternatives to the seepage problem: cut off walls, impermeable foundation, and waterproof heart. The writing adequately compares the three approaches describing their effectiveness in pollution control, ease of installation, cost, power consumption and the construction technique. The paper then settles on the most appropriate and viable option and describes its relevance together with the design and implementation challenges.
Executive summary
The recent floods in Houston caused severe damages; forcing 30 000 people to abandon their homes, 44 deaths while 13000 people were successfully rescued. Floods have always affected Houston, and the characteristics of the area make the catastrophe worse. This paper proposes a successful project that will eliminate the failures in the storm water system. Even though the proposal may not eliminate the problem completely, it will decrease the damages, provide safety and lower the costs of dealing with a flooding aftermath.The paper identifies the cutoff walls as the ideal option. To successfully implement the project, the team must have redesigned the prior plans to suit the current condition of the site. The recent technology is vital for the construction of a cutoff wall, and the last requirement is a case study. The challenges of this approach are that it is expensive when the excavations go very deep into the ground. The size of the site may cause complications. There is also a list of most cost-effective solutions alternatives.Out of the three options explored, impermeable core, cutoff wall and the impermeable blanket, the cutoff wall is the most recommended option that should be employed to help control the seepage at Barker and Addicks dams. This technique not only saves on the construction time but will save on the costs as well. Furthermore, it is an option that has been applied on numerous dams therefore there is vast knowledge to refer to during the project implementation.The project is bound to have both short-term and long-term effects. For the project to commence, it will require that the residents staying near the dams relocate to other areas. Residents within the circumference will be affected by the movements of machinery and the noise from the construction activities. In the long run, however, the effects will be positive. A successful project will eliminate the impacts of flooding. It will also lower the costs of handling floods aftermath and decrease environmental damages.
Conclusion
If the project is successfully implemented, the people of Houston will no longer have to worry about the havoc caused by floods. The body sponsoring the project will have to part with a considerable amount of money considering the massive size of the project. For the business carrying out the project, the profit and the experience from will be very fundamental. Eventually, the project is an undertaking that must be pursued. It is an activity that will save money, lives and prevent future financial losses.
