Keenleyside Gate Tower Structure

The Keenleyside Dam was originally constructed in 1968. The four spillway gates are serviced by an overhead structure consisting of 5 enclosed towers and 4 bridge structures, each equipped with 2 hoists for lowering and raising the gates.

KWH were awarded an 18-month contract to reinforce the structural steel to meet the latest seismic codes. This involved the removal of the majority of the structural bracing and replacing them with larger gusset connections and heavier members throughout all towers and bridge structures. Members were removed in a carefully defined sequence to preserve the structural integrity of the towers and bridges throughout the work.

All work was performed within the covered structure without removing the exterior cladding. Handling of the members required purpose-built temporary rigging within the confined towers and bridge corridors. KWH also installed a new full-length covered bridge extension to improve operational access to the large hoist drums.