USBR Patillas Dam Seismic Retrofit Design Update and Industry Outreach

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), with support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Caribbean District, is hosting an industry outreach event on June 11–12. The event aims to engage engineering firms, contractors, and technical specialists for the Patillas Dam Seismic Retrofit Project in Puerto Rico, which is currently in its final design phase. The first day will feature a project presentation and industry input session at the USACE Caribbean District offices in San Juan. The second day will include a guided site visit to the Patillas Dam. This outreach is intended to help interested companies understand the project's technical requirements, including seismic retrofit measures, outlet works reconstruction, and complex construction sequencing, in preparation for future acquisition planning.

The Patillas Dam Safety Seismic Modification Project addresses significant risks posed by the dam's semi-hydraulic fill construction and Puerto Rico's seismic activity. The project involves constructing a large earthen berm with approximately 600,000 cubic yards of fill and extending the outlet works conduit. The berm will include zoned earthfill from nearby quarries, sand and gravel filter zones, and a 24-inch HDPE toe drain system, requiring a 30-foot deep key trench with dewatering. The outlet works extension necessitates a diver-installed bulkhead, demolition of existing discharge features, and replacement with a new 54-inch concrete-encased steel conduit with a 36-inch steel bifurcation. A temporary bypass is required to ensure uninterrupted canal deliveries during construction. The project also includes installing temporary and permanent instrumentation. This is a project overview and not a solicitation for offers or bids, with funding not yet available.

The Patillas Dam Safety Seismic Modification Project aims to modernize the 1914 semi-hydraulic fill dam to enhance its structural and operational resilience. This project addresses seismic vulnerabilities, secures the municipal water supply, and supports downstream power generation. Key improvements include constructing a zoned earthfill berm, installing engineered drainage systems, and excavating a key trench. The project also involves installing advanced instrumentation, demolishing and reconstructing downstream discharge facilities, and installing new conduits. Additionally, it includes reconstructing and extending outlet works, building new concrete control buildings, and implementing a temporary bypass system for uninterrupted canal flows. The project is critical for reducing seismic risk, ensuring dependable water supply, supporting power generation, and modernizing vital water infrastructure. This flyer serves as an informational notice and not a solicitation for bids, as funds are not yet available.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), with support from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Caribbean District, is hosting an industry outreach event on June 11–12. The event aims to engage engineering firms, contractors, and technical specialists for the Patillas Dam Seismic Retrofit Project in Puerto Rico, which is currently in its final design phase. The first day will feature a project presentation and industry input session at the USACE Caribbean District offices in San Juan. The second day will include a guided site visit to the Patillas Dam. This outreach is intended to help interested companies understand the project's technical requirements, including seismic retrofit measures, outlet works reconstruction, and complex construction sequencing, in preparation for future acquisition planning.