Building a Tall and Messy Pond Dam with Excavators and Dump Trucks

Pond Dam Construction Progress

• 🏗️ The team is actively working on raising the pond dam, using a 30-ton dump truck to haul material.
• 🚜 Dirt is being packed into the bucket with a sheep's foot compactor and then rolled over by the dump truck tires for extra compaction.
• 🎯 The goal is to add several more lifts, raising the dam approximately six to seven more feet.

Excavation and Material Handling

• ⛏️ An excavator is being used to cut dirt from the pond area, with the material being loaded into a dump truck.
• 💨 The excavator and dump truck combination is described as faster for moving dirt than using a dozer alone, allowing for precise contouring.
• 🪵 Trees and stumps on the back slope of the dam are being cleared and pushed uphill to be added to a burn pile.

Dam Structure and Material Quality

• ✨ The clay being used for the pond dam is described as some of the best clay encountered in a long time, packing exceptionally well.
• 🧱 The material is so dense that loaded dump trucks do not leave tire prints, indicating excellent compaction.
• ⛰️ The dam is intended to be quite tall, resulting in a very deep hole for the pond.

Site Management and Future Work

• 🪵 A borrow pit is being dug to bury material, and ashes from burning are being moved to a safe, open area.
• 📏 A laser level is being used to check the dam's height, with adjustments needed to account for water levels and desired final height.
• 🚧 The team plans to finish cutting out remaining dirt, grading the dam and banks, and sealing off areas with clay, expecting completion the following day.