The first single closed end (SCE) AquaDam has been delivered to its starting bank. Workers used non-abrasive fill material to construct the starting bank. AquaDams are delivered in a rolled-up form, similar to a carpet roll on a wooden beam. They are wrapped in a protective covering and include lifting ropes or straps for easy transportation.

The wrapped up AquaDam needs to be positioned correctly, so that after it is unwrapped the unit will unroll the correct way.

Now with the SCE AquaDam position correctly on its starting bank, workers will remove the lifting ropes and protective wrapping.

Workers launch the first SCE AquaDam off its starting bank.

Now that the fill-tubes have been exposed, workers inserted discharge hoses from pumps that will fill the AquaDam with water. Notice that the open end and fill-tubes are at the top of the bank and laid over the backside, respectively.

The excavator has arranged boulders across most of the width of the river to provide impedance to the flow and assist the installation of the AquaDam. The AquaDams will be installed up against the boulders for additional support, during installation.

Ropes have been anchored at shore, run under the AquaDam, over top of the roll, and back to workers who control the roll while the dam is being filled with water. The ropes are used to hold back the roll, while the unrolled length fills and gains head above the surrounding water.

Worker have begun filling the first SCE AquaDam with water from the Shoshone River.

In flowing water, it is critical to keep head in the AquaDam higher than the surrounding water. AquaDams are constructed using lightweight and flexible materials, allowing them to float when empty in deep enough water. The head inside of the AquaDam (above the surrounding water) gives the additional mass needed to keep the unit in place, as it is filled.

Instead of boulders to impede the river’s flow a smaller AquaDam could have been used.

After the unrolled length has a few inches of head above the surrounding water, workers release a few feet of rope unrolling a few feet of length, then hold the ropes tight again and repeat the process until the dam reaches its closed end.

The first SCE AquaDam has almost completely unrolled and will need to continue to be filled.

After an AquaDam has head above the surrounding water level, workers can utilize the body of the dam to walk on and secure ropes to. This allows for efficient and safe installation of the AquaDam. Workers prepare the connection collar for the next SCE AquaDam.

The second SCE AquaDam has been attached to the first dam at the closed end in the connection collar. Workers have begun filling the second SCE AquaDam with water.

Both SCE AquaDams are installed and full of water. Boulders have been carefully placed up against the work area side of the AquaDams for additional support. The flow from the Shoshone River has been successfully diverted.

Wonderful job AquaDam!