$53 million project was first major structural update in over 30 years for 85-year-old historic dam, which holds back 600 billion gallons of water
MC Industrial, Inc., a McCarthy Holdings company, which serves the specialized construction needs of the industrial market nationwide, has received a “2019 Top Plant Award” in the renewable category from POWER magazine. The award recognizes MC Industrial’s work as general contractor for the Bagnell Dam Stabilization project, a $53 million investment in major structural and anchoring upgrades for the Ameren Missouri Osage Energy Center in Lake Ozark, Mo.
Completed three months ahead of schedule and on-budget in September 2018, the stabilization project was the first major structural update in over 30 years for the 85-year-old historic Bagnell Dam. The hydroelectric dam holds back 600 billion gallons of water from the Osage River at Lake of the Ozarks and is a source of clean energy for the entire state, as well as the centerpiece of a billion-dollar tourism destination.
When it was built in 1931, the Bagnell Dam, which created the Lake, was the largest construction project in the nation during the Great Depression. Today, it is the largest privately funded dam in the U.S. and produces more than 624,000 megawatt-hours of clean energy that powers 52,000 homes each year.
“This recognition as a Top Plant from POWER magazine is very special for this complicated 18-month-long project on the downstream side of the Dam to improve overall safety, efficiency and reliability, as well as long-term sustainability,” said Michael Hartwig, project manager for MC Industrial.
Work performed to enhance the structural integrity of the Bagnell Dam demanded expertise in heavy civil and major dam rehabilitation. The three-part project included installation of 67 new post-tension anchors to help secure the dam to the underlying bedrock; more than 66-million pounds of new concrete poured to further weigh down the dam; and a new concrete overlay to replace worn and cracked concrete on the east and west sections.
Notable innovations included the use of Project Tracker, a Lean construction tracking 3D model software developed by McCarthy to allow real-time integration of project data, enabling the project to be completed three months ahead of schedule. In addition, the project is the first in the U.S. to use Duoguard Formtex, a new permeable form liner, to complete the challenging vertical and diagonal concrete pours, ensuring a durable surface free from imperfections.
“This project was focused on keeping this vital asset providing clean energy in the long-term, using the best possible engineering available today,” said Warren Witt, director of hydro operations at Ameren Missouri. “The high-quality work will ensure Bagnell Dam and the Osage Energy Center operate reliably and safely, affording the quality of life for hundreds of thousands who enjoy all that the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer each year.”
For more than four decades, POWER magazine has honored the top performers in the electricity-generating industry with annual power plant awards. More information about the project is available at https://www.powermag.com/successful-dam-stabilization-project-improves-safety-and-reliability.
MC Industrial, Inc., a McCarthy Holdings company, serves the specialized construction needs of the industrial market nationwide, providing turnkey services that deliver uncompromising commitment to safety and quality regardless of project size or complexity. MC Industrial has decades of proven experience in a variety of markets including power & renewables, petrochemical & refinery, heavy industrial and manufacturing. More information is available at www.mcindustrial.com
McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with more than 150 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedInand Instagram.
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company’s electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri’s mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 130,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.