Projects
HB Valve at Portal Powerhouse
The Portal Powerhouse discharge required the installation of a new HB valve. Because the existing valve was poured into the powerhouse foundation, extensive concrete demolition was needed to install the new valve. Due to the weight of the valve and the steep access to the site, the new valve was pulled into place on constructed rails and then connected to the existing pipe flanges with ninety-five 2.5-inch bolts. The new valve was supported by new concrete pedestals.
Project Highlights
Saddlebag Dam Spillway Modifications
The existing wooden Saddlebag Dam spillway was originally built in the early 1900s. Southern California Edison required the outdated structure be removed and replaced with a new concrete spillway, including removing the wood member, re-grading the earth face, and installing a new concrete slab on a 45-degree slope. New poured-in-place concrete walls were installed along the side slopes of the dam and new slab, and an extensive rock and concrete dissipater was installed at the base of the dam to transition the spill water into the existing drainage. The project was capped off with a new 60-foot clear-span footbridge across the new spillway.
Project Highlights
SCE Kern #1 Intake Construction
The Kern #1 intake was originally constructed in early 1915 to direct the Kern River to the Powerhouse #1 system. Because the structural members and concrete of the original intake were failing, a complete rebuild of the structure was required, along with automation. The original structure was removed and rebuilt with new steel members and a poured-in-place concrete slab. A new control building was constructed to house the new fully automated raking system for intake grates. The only access to the site is an existing narrow walkway for foot traffic only, so 2,500 helicopter flights were used to bring equipment and supplies to the site.
Project Highlights
Hume Lake Dam Rehabilitation
MCS Construction contracted with CARPI to perform the rehabilitation of the dam. The work performed consisted of the installation of a geocomposite membrane system with drain on the upstream face of the dam. The waterproof membrane will permanently stop moisture seepage. In preparation for the membrane installation, coffer dam construction, water diversion and excavation to expose dam toe was performed.
Hume Lake Dam is on Ten Mile Creek, on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada in Fresno County, California. The dam is a multiple-arch dam with 12 arches. Hume Lake Dam is 50.4 feet tall (crest elevation, 5299 feet above sea level) and 675 feet long. The original dam construction was completed in 1908. It is a part of the Historic American Engineering Record, because it is the world’s first reinforced concrete multiple arch dam.
Project Highlights
Shaver Lake Service Center Modernization
MCS Construction built a new Administration Building and remodeled the existing Truck Bay at SCE's Shaver Lake Service Center. The existing Administration Building was demoed and a new structure was built. The new Administration Building was built to match the existing Truck Bay.
