The Project

Work consisted of a comprehensive technical inspection of the Eagle Creek Dam, a 75-foot tall x 5,100 foot long earthen and concrete dam with six (6) 40′ x 31′ tainter gates. It is one of the largest dams in Indiana. This complex structure was evaluated using a multi-discipline inspection team approach.

The Solution

The Eagle Creek Shoreline Stabilization Project was developed as a result of two biennium high hazard dam inspections completed by Commonwealth Engineers in 2003 and 2006 for the City of Indianapolis. A very steep erosion was discovered within 16 feet of an active road known as Dandy Trail. The side slope was eroding down to the Eagle Creek Reservoir and was progressively moving slowly towards the road. In 2008 Commonwealth was selected to provide construction inspection services for the reconstruction of 1,500 feet of this shoreline. The $1.28 million project called for laying the slope back to 3:1 where land was available to do so. But, the north half of the project was located in close proximity to Dandy Trail. To stabilize this segment, about 665 ft. x 15 ft. (10,000 SF) of reinforced soil wall was installed, and landscaping was placed for erosion control and aesthetics.