The National Capital Authority (NCA) has announced that major engineering works at the Scrivener Dam will commence in the new year.

 

The works include replacing the 120 anchor bolts which form part of the flap gate mechanism that are opened in flood events to regulat the water level of Lake Burley Griffin.

 

NCA Chief Executive said the works were identified during an annual safety audit and surveillance inspection of Scrivener Dam.

 

“As part of our management of Scrivener Dam, the NCA commissions an annual, independent, safety and surveillance inspection report. The 2011 report, received three weeks ago, advised that some of the anchor bolts on the dam were showing signs of corrosion,” Mr Rake said

 

The non-destructive testing involved either cutting away small sections of non-structural concrete, or drilling small holes through the steel structures and using an endoscopic camera to inspect the previously hidden bolts.

 

“Yesterday we received advice that all the hinge bolt anchors will need to be replaced within one to two years. It is anticipated this work will take 50 to 80 weeks to complete, so work needs to commence shortly,” he said.

 

The anchor bolt system will be redesigned as part of these engineering works to ensure that future inspections can be conducted easily. We will also install cathodic protection to minimise future corrosion.

 

The works are anticipated to cost between $15 to $20 million