Bluestone Dam is a flood control dam located in southwest West Virginia that has a continuing problem of drift and debris loading in the upstream reservoir. To identify options for alleviating this problem, the Huntington District performed a study that recommended construction of a multi-level gated intake tower and tunnel through the dam, to pass the drift and debris.

Tetra Tech INCA was selected to:

• Evaluate the finite element analysis performed by WES
• Prepare a Seismic Response Spectrum finite element analysis of the Intake Tower
• Prepare a Seismic Time History finite element analysis of the Intake Tower and dam monolith
• Optimize the Intake Tower structural form and prepare construction documents
• Provide engineering support during construction

The tower is 116-feet tall and the operating deck was designed for 37 feet of submergence. The tower walls were designed for a total head differential of 106 feet.