Kenall played a vital role in executing the scope of work, which included surveying, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, and engineering services necessary for the design, operation, and maintenance of floodwater retarding structures. As part of the assessment process, the team conducted site visits and performed visual evaluations of the dams and their associated appurtenances. These evaluations examined the principal spillway pipe, riser, and outlet, assessed the foundation drainage system, and analyzed the embankment and auxiliary spillway to determine overall structural integrity.

Current watershed delineations were compared to the original delineations to verify any significant differences that could impact the dams’ functionality. LiDAR data and bathymetric surveys were used to develop updated structure capacity tables to reflect present conditions. A hazard classification analysis was performed to assess the downstream area for potential risks and confirm each dam’s classification aligned with regulatory standards.

Through these comprehensive assessments, Kenall provided valuable insights that informed decision-making regarding dam rehabilitation and safety improvements.

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A design-build package was prepared to repair the levee, spillway, and associated structures by developing construction documents, specifications, and cost estimates for the contractor. Kenall engineers conducted a thorough evaluation of the area’s flood conditions, completed levee inspections, and certified the levee for a 100-year flood event according to 44 CFR §65.10. They designed a new spillway measuring 30-ft wide and 300-ft long, incorporating services across hydrology and hydraulics, survey, geophysical, geotechnical, civil, and structural engineering disciplines.

Kenall’s proposed design recommended using Articulated Concrete Blocks to line the spillway top and installing sheet piles to an elevation of –19.50 ft, matching the spillway’s elevation. The levee and spillway recommendations rebuilt and reinforced the structures to ensure safe access for public use and utility infrastructure needs. Recreational amenities, including fishing platforms, a concrete boat ramp, and boardwalk, were also restored.

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Package 1 involved the extension of the Colorado River Levee, including three miles of earthen levee and one mile of floodwall. It incorporated crucial features such as the Black-Collins sump areas, Polk Street storm drainage improvements and pavement, closure structures, and a one-mile road elevation for FM102. Grading and slope protection for the Colorado Riverbanks near the sluices were designed, supplemented with rock riprap to control erosion. Post-construction seeding and erosion control measures were detailed as part of the package.

Package 2 focused on the Railroad Levee, Baughman Slough Levee, and floodwall design, alongside culverts and a significant widening of the channel bottom from 50 to 125 feet over a four-mile stretch. This package also included the design of three replacement bridges: the Moers Lane Bridge and Fulton Street Bridge, built as multi-span concrete structures on drilled piers, with spans of 175 feet and 204 feet, respectively. Efforts were made to optimize drainage and minimize erosion impacts on the channel slopes.

Kenall developed AutoCAD Civil 3D drawings at progressive stages—30%, 60%, 90%, and 100%—and provided detailed technical specifications. The floodwall design adhered to stringent engineering standards (EM 1110-2-2000, EM 1110-2-2100, EM1110-2-2502, and EM 1110-2-2906), ensuring compliance. These designs improved flood risk management for the City of Wharton.

Work performed on these projects was completed under the Kenall-Freese & Nichols 8a Mentor-Protégé Joint Venture (KFNI JV).

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Kenall’s work included conducting seepage and slope stability analyses for embankment modifications and spillway erodibility, confirming inflow design flood criteria, and performing overtopping analysis for the new dam profile. Additional tasks involved reviewing and documenting existing conditions, performing various surveys, preparing design submittals at different stages (35%, 65%, 95%, and 100%), developing construction cost estimates, and creating storm drainage and stormwater pollution prevention plans. Bidder inquiries and RFIs were also addressed.

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Kenall’s scope of work included geotechnical field investigations and engineering analyses aimed at providing the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) with a professional assessment of whether the newly constructed levee segments were capable of satisfactory performance during a 100-year flood event.

As part of the comprehensive scope, Kenall reviewed design and construction documents such as plans, construction specifications, historical data, quality control daily reports, and daily construction reports. Additionally, the team conducted site visits to document current conditions; carried out geophysical field investigations, including electromagnetic surveys and ground-penetrating radar; drilled and sampled soil borings; and performed geotechnical laboratory soils testing. The geotechnical engineering analyses encompassed a site geological evaluation, environmental soils analysis, slope stability analysis, total and differential settlement analysis, and general construction recommendations.

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The investigation included an extensive geotechnical analysis, combining field exploration—such as site inspections, boring and piezometer installation, and soil sampling—with laboratory and field testing. Additionally, a fault presence investigation was performed. The findings were compiled into a comprehensive geological evaluation and geotechnical report.

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The scope of Kenall’s work included geotechnical core and soil sampling, advanced geotechnical laboratory testing, and general geotechnical engineering support. Demonstrating exceptional adaptability in field testing, Kenall employed a wide array of methodologies to access the 56 borehole sites. For land-based drilling, the team utilized track-mounted rigs, buggy rigs, and rice and cane rigs to ensure efficient operations under varying site conditions. For water-bound sites, drilling was executed using barge-mounted and truck-mounted rigs, showcasing Kenall’s capability to tailor its approach to the unique challenges of diverse environments.

Building upon the findings from its geotechnical exploration, Kenall conducted levee slope stability analyses. These analyses were instrumental in determining the allowable maximum levee heights and calculating the ultimate placement area capacities for accommodating dredged maintenance material.

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Kenall’s geotechnical investigation featured floating barge-mounted drilling rigs for extracting core samples and gathering critical soil data for laboratory testing. With this data, Kenall performed geotechnical engineering analyses, including advanced soil-pipe interaction studies powered by finite element numerical methods (FEM). These analyses assessed the stresses introduced by the levees and their potential impacts on the integrity of the buried pipelines.

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Kenall’s scope of work included project management, development of a design quality control plan, and hydrologic and hydraulic evaluations. Additional tasks involved preparing storm drainage and pollution prevention plans, performing economic analyses (cost-benefit analyses), conducting field investigations for each dam including evaluating the environmental impacts of decommissioning the dams, identifying existing utility characteristics, and estimating construction costs for the proposed options.

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The services included addressing stockpiled soils placed along the 1,100-foot stretch of the banks. Kenall drilled, sampled, and tested soil borings to determine the stratigraphy, groundwater conditions, and the physical properties of the subsurface soils. These efforts were crucial for developing geotechnical design parameters. The analyses performed were utilized in slope stability evaluations, site and subgrade preparation, erosion control recommendations, and guidelines for earthwork along the banks of the bayou.

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