Building a dam on your farm provides an invaluable resource for your land. Not only can it serve as an irrigation system but it’s also essential for creating water reservoirs to supply your livestock with water and protect your property if there is a fire. If you’re interested in building a dam on your property, this guide will walk you through the process from start to finish.
Before you begin construction, consider the size and purpose of the dam. Also consider factors such as the size of the area where you want to build the dam, what type of soil is available, and any local regulations that may be applicable. Note any potential risks or complications that you may face while constructing the dam, such as flooding or subsidence.
Once those details are all considered, you’ll need to decide on the type of dam best suited to your needs such as:
Then, calculate the estimated cost of building and maintaining your dam. This will give you an idea of what supplies, materials and earthmoving equipment you’ll need to purchase or hire before beginning construction
Once you’ve decided on the site, you can begin digging. When selecting a site for your dam, look for areas with low water leakage potential and an adequate amount of soil to support the dam’s weight when filled with water. You may also need to have your site levelled and a road constructed to the dam, before construction can commence.
After selecting a suitable site for your dam’s foundations, lay down the foundations according to the type of dam you have selected. This step usually involves setting up retaining walls along both sides of the ditch that has been dug out. The materials you use, such as reinforced concrete, must remain durable and strong over time in order to prevent any chances of collapse or erosion due to wear and tear from water pressure or other environmental factors over time.
Collect materials necessary for completing construction such as gravels and rocks which can be used as fillers around edges and corners of walls, so they remain strong even when subject to the high pressure exerted by the filled up reservoir behind them once construction has finished.
Fill the reservoir with water slowly allowing it enough time between each filling so that its structure remains intact without collapsing under high pressure.
Throughout the construction process, you should be regularly monitoring the stability of the dam to ensure the risk of future damage from human negligence or natural disasters is minimised.
Building a safe and effective dam on your farm takes careful planning and consideration; however, if done right, it can provide an invaluable asset for years to come. At Mike Barlow Earthmoving, we have a proven track record when it comes to dam construction. We can also carry out maintenance and repairs to ensure you and your farm isn’t left high and dry. To learn more about how we can help with your dam, get in touch with us today via our contact form or give us a call on (07) 4934 4229.
We offer premium earthmoving and excavation services throughout Rockhampton and Central Queensland. Our experienced operators are fully qualified and licensed, and committed to a high standard of workmanship. We cater for earthmoving jobs of all sizes, from small domestic services to large-scale commercial projects.
Address: Rockhampton QLD 4700
Phone:
07 4934 4229
Mobile:
0407 131 022 - Mike
Fax: (07) 4935 4642
Email:
mike.barlow@bigpond.com
Operating Hours: 7am to 7pm / 7 days a week