In 2004, DA Smith* completed drilling, instrumentation, and overcore in situ stress measurements for Acres International at the Robert Mosses Niagara Dam, operated by the New York Power Authority. The program was designed to determine the current stress condition in specific areas of the dam and foundation bedrock. The project comprised seven vertical holes drilled from galleries inside the dam and two angled holes drilled on the downstream face of the dam, allowing a total of 17 stress measurements in concrete and three measurements in bedrock.
Drilling was completed using DA Smith's compact CP-65 air-powered core drill. Strict environmental controls required recirculation and controlled disposal of drill water and cuttings. Special security clearance was required. The program was completed without incident, yielding reliable stress measurement data for engineering analysis.
* Formerly as Agapito Associates, Inc.