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Veit's blasting the Monongahela Dam and Locks Veit's blasting the Monongahela Dam and Locks

Demolition, Blasting

Project Overview

Veit contracted with Joseph B. Fay Company for the owner, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Elizabeth, PA for the demolition of a 353-foot-long concrete dam and 1,620 linear feet of concrete lock walls through controlled explosive demolition.

This project included unique experiences, as crew members had to drill holes, load and prepare explosive charges below the waterline, while maintaining productivity and safely working from floating barges. This project was completed approximately two months ahead of schedule while successfully executing all 12 blast phases safely, earning strong client satisfaction.

Market
Commercial
Owner
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Type of Project
Demolition
Project Scope
Blasting the concrete dam and lock walls, performing work from barges on the river, drilling blast holes in concrete structures, and loading and preparing explosive charges underwater.
Duration
2024 - 2026

Challenges We Solved

01.
Fluctuating River Conditions and Barge Positioning
Key challenges included working from fluctuating river levels and maintaining stable barge positioning, which was managed through a robust anchoring system and continuous surveying to ensure drilling accuracy.
02.
Precision Drilling in Reinforced Concrete
Precision was essential when drilling into heavily reinforced concrete within a confined lock structure, addressed through a tightly controlled drill pattern along with frequent verification of hole depth and alignment in the field.
03.
Waterline Drilling and Safety Controls
Drilling and loading below the waterline required strict safety protocols and specialized waterproof blasting procedures to maintain reliability of detonation while protecting personnel and equipment.
01.
Fluctuating River Conditions and Barge Positioning
Key challenges included working from fluctuating river levels and maintaining stable barge positioning, which was managed through a robust anchoring system and continuous surveying to ensure drilling accuracy.
02.
Precision Drilling in Reinforced Concrete
Precision was essential when drilling into heavily reinforced concrete within a confined lock structure, addressed through a tightly controlled drill pattern along with frequent verification of hole depth and alignment in the field.
03.
Waterline Drilling and Safety Controls
Drilling and loading below the waterline required strict safety protocols and specialized waterproof blasting procedures to maintain reliability of detonation while protecting personnel and equipment.
Veit Monongahela blasting project after blast
Veit Monongahela Dam project set up for blasting
Veit Monongahela project before blasting