Geotechnical Testing
Index, permeability, and strength tests were performed in the field during construction
The original Quincy Reservoir Dam (located in Braintree, MA) was built in 1888 to create a water supply reservoir on Town Brook in Quincy, Massachusetts. Severe erosion and seepage prompted a reconstruction of the original dam. To alleviate flooding along Town Brook, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) redesigned and rebuilt the dam. Reconstruction took place from 1999 to 2002, requiring complete removal of the old embankment, construction of a reservoir drain structure, and preparation of the foundation for the new embankment and dike.
GeoTesting Express (GTX)’s challenge was to provide the USACE with on-site quality assurance of its soil compaction testing during the construction of the rolled-earth dam and of the dike embankment. GTX also maintained a full-time field presence during placement and compaction of materials used on the project. In addition, GTX provided laboratory testing on soils proposed for use in construction. Tests included were index, permeability, and strength. An example of a strength test conducted on soils containing high amounts of gravel was 6” diameter x 12” high consolidated undrained triaxial shear (ASTM D 4767).