FRPD is Canada’s largest dredging, marine and heavy civil construction contractor, with over a century of industry leadership.

John Hart Dam: Seismic Upgrade

FRPD, as a specialty sub-contractor to the Aecon-EBC Joint Venture, delivered a comprehensive marine works and ground-improvement program to support the John Hart Seismic Upgrade Project. As part of three dam safety capital projects in the Campbell River area, this project ensures the continued supply of safe, reliable power for surrounding communities. 

Problem

The seismic upgrade required major in-water works while protecting the sensitive drinking water source over the three-year construction period. Working in a remote area required designing and moving specialized equipment to complete the work.

Solution

FRPD executed the full marine scope, including environmental protection systems and temporary access works. Crews deployed specialized marine equipment—including sectional derricks and scows—to support high-volume production and meet the stringent requirements. The project demanded long, deep double-wall silt curtains, a high-capacity access ramp, substantial dredging and rock placement, as well as onshore piling and installation of a retaining wall to complete the work.

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Key Facts

Environmental and access works

  • Installed two double-wall silt curtains, each 1,200 ft long and 30–60 ft deep, complete with 5-ft platforms
  • Constructed two load/offload trestles and ramps to support staging and material handling
  • Assembled and disassembled an Esquimalt sectional derrick with a 220-ton crane
  • Built and demobilized two 50’ x 160’ x 7’ sectional scows with full wall and deck systems
  • Assembled a 40’ x 60’ stationary barge for site operations

Dredging and rock placement

  • Dredged approximately 75,000 m³ of material to prepare the riverbed
  • Placed approximately 200,000 m³ of rock for slope protection, foundation support and stabilization

Piling and retaining wall construction

  • Drove 330 H-piles (16″) for foundations and structural supportInstalled a full retaining wall system including sheet piles, walers, tie-backs and struts
  • Removed the existing sheet pile wall to allow construction of the new system

FRPD’s integrated approach, specialized marine equipment and precise environmental controls enabled the safe and efficient delivery of a highly technical seismic upgrade in a sensitive river environment.