Client
SSE plc
Value
£110k
Sectors & Services
Nuclear & Power Concrete Repair Grouting & Injection ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) Projects
Located in the Scottish Highlands, the small dam at Loch Cuaich diverts water to Cuaich Power Station via an underground and overground steel penstock. During a routine inspection, SSE’s dam engineer identified a risk of scour downstream of the dam, which could threaten the embankments' stability during high water flows.
As part of its Framework agreement with SSE, CRL was engaged to develop a practical solution to extend the concrete aprons protecting the lower dam face. The project required innovative approaches due to the remote location, restricted access, and the need to safeguard both the dam’s integrity and the adjacent infrastructure.
Services undertaken
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Extension of concrete aprons to protect dam embankments
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Dry spray concrete installation for remote access delivery
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Integration with existing slabs and lower protection gabions
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Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) design collaboration
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Site logistics planning for remote and restricted access
CRL collaborated closely with SSE through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process to develop a bespoke solution for the remote site. The project involved the extension of concrete aprons protecting the embankments on the lower face of the dam, mitigating the risk of scour during high flows. Access constraints prevented conventional concrete delivery methods, as nearby bridges could not accommodate trucks and the nearest concrete plant was over two hours away. To overcome this, CRL proposed dry spray concrete, enabling bagged materials to be delivered by tractor and trailer over river fords to the site.
This method allowed precise shaping of the new aprons to integrate seamlessly with existing concrete slabs and the lower protection gabions. The dry spray technique provided full control over surface profiling, ensuring the new aprons matched the hydraulic and structural requirements. Approximately thirty cubic metres of high-quality concrete were installed, with works coordinated carefully around safety, site access, and environmental considerations. CRL’s experienced operatives managed all aspects of material handling, placement, and finishing, ensuring structural continuity and long-term durability under the challenging site conditions.
"We are very happy with the finished aprons and this could be a good solution for several other remote sites within the SSE hydro system."
SSE Spokesman
The completed concrete aprons provide long-term protection against scour, safeguarding both the dam’s structural stability and the adjacent penstock infrastructure. By using a tailored dry spray solution, CRL delivered a durable, resilient repair that is adaptable to other remote hydroelectric sites within SSE’s network.
The project demonstrates CRL’s ability to combine innovation, practical logistics, and technical expertise to solve complex challenges in difficult environments. With minimal environmental disruption and efficient material use, the works contribute to sustainable asset management, reduce future maintenance requirements, and enhance operational continuity across the hydro system.
