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    Expert Webinar
    FE Analysis of a 185 m High Concrete Arch Dam (Katse Dam)
        🕛 03:30 PM – 04:30 PM (IST) | 12:00 PM – 01:00 PM (SAST) | 10:00 AM – 11:0 AM (GMT)
    📍 Live On GoToWebinar
    📑Overview

    Katse Dam is a 185 m high, double-curvature arch dam on the Malibamatso River in Lesotho and forms part of Phase 1a of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. With a developed crest length of 710 m at an elevation of 2060 mASL, the structure is located in a U-shaped valley.  Construction was completed in 1997 and first impoundment was achieved in 1998. 
     
    With a substantially improved ability to model non-linear features of the dam, such as the “pre-formed heel joint”, the crest tension belt and the foundation shear keys, together with the use of ambient vibration monitoring calibration, the updated FE analysis provided an extremely useful tool to gain a more detailed insight into the actual structural function of the dam/foundation system. On the basis of this improved understanding, it was possible to develop a more quantitative evaluation of the safety of the dam. 


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    📌Agenda
    • 1.

      Introduction of ARQ and speaker and Dam location  ◆︎ Ryan professional profile 
      ◆︎ ARQ Location  
      ◆︎ Company background and dam legacy  
      ◆︎ Double-curvature concrete arch dam, Lesotho 

    • 2.

      Dam problem statement and foundation  ◆︎ Foundation and river valley conditions   
      ◆︎ Seismic conditions 
      ◆︎  Extreme temperature conditions   
      ◆︎ Changing conditions of aging dam 

    • 3.

      Modelling of dam and foundation ◆︎ 3D solid geometry of Dam (arches, according to updated as-built 3D scan)
      ◆︎ Develop and implement suitable meshing strategy for dam and foundation using 3D solid elements 
      ◆︎ Interface elements at the joints between dam and foundation with non-linear stiffness 
      ◆︎ Calibrate FE model according to measured conditions and behaviour of dam
      ◆︎ Define loading design acceptance criteria 

    • 4.

      Analysis results and outcomes  ◆︎ Evaluate displacement results of dam for suitability 
      ◆︎ Extract plots of arching and vertical stresses to understand load transfer  
      ◆︎ Extract plots of P3 stress vectors to review efficiency of load transfer of in dam body 
      ◆︎ Probe vertical stress contours on underside of dam 
      ◆︎ Evaluate structural function or preformed joint and seismic belt

    🎙️ Speaker

    Ryan-Cassells-2
    Eng. Ryan Cassells
    Structural Dam Engineer | ARQ Consulting Engineers

    Ryan is a Structural Dam Engineer with 14 years of post-graduate experience in the design and construction of concrete and earthfill dams. He holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, is registered as a Professional Engineer with ECSA, and has worked on dams ranging from 4 m to 275 m in height. His expertise includes structural design, dam safety evaluation, and advanced finite element modelling for thermal, seismic, and complex foundation loading conditions.

     

    He is the South African representative for ICOLD Technical Committee A – Computational Aspects of Analysis and Design of Dams, and a member of the MIDAS FEA expert network. Ryan has authored and co-authored 19 technical papers and also has 3 years of construction experience on major projects including power stations, mine smelters, and bridges as a Site Agent. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce specialising in Accounting Sciences.

    🏢 Company Details

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    ARQ Consulting Engineers
    ARQ is an award-winning consulting engineering firm established in 1993, specialising in dams, hydropower, and geotechnical engineering. Over the years, the company has built a strong local and international reputation as a leading dam engineering consultancy.
    ARQ has delivered over 150 projects across 33 countries, including 43 new dams completed or under construction, major rehabilitation and raising projects, feasibility studies, and dam safety evaluations. The firm has experience across all major dam types, applying international best practices and advanced engineering technologies to deliver efficient and reliable solutions worldwide.
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