Massive Pond Dam Construction: Core Trenching, Clay Placement, and Progress

Core Trench Excavation and Compaction

• 🚧 Digging the core trench is the first step, requiring careful removal of topsoil.
• ⚠️ The compactor had to be maneuvered across a ditch, a potentially aggressive but necessary move.
• ⛏️ The core trench is being dug to notch down through the clay, helping to tie the structure together.

Clay Placement and Dam Building

• 🧱 Beautiful clay is being excavated and placed into the core trench to build up the dam section.
• 🚜 A dozer is used to push material into place, blending the dirt and building up the structure.
• 🚚 Hauling material with a truck is faster for certain distances, aiding in packing the dirt down.

Dam Construction Progress and Techniques

• 📈 The team is working to match the grade of the existing dam section by filling the core trench with clay.
• 🚛 Loading material into a dump truck is more efficient than pushing it with a dozer for longer distances.
• 📏 The process involves cutting and laying material, with adjustments made to avoid working on top of each other.

Yardage Tracking and Material Management

• 📊 Yardage is being tracked by counting bucket loads, with an estimated 18,000-20,000 cubic yards for the job.
• 💧 The waterline flag is used to ensure accurate grading, with adjustments made for depth and organic material removal.
• 🚧 Topsoil is pushed back further than initially needed, allowing for flexibility in widening the dam base.

Daily Wrap-up and Future Plans

• ✅ The day's work concludes with a significant section of the pond dam put in place.
• 🏗️ Future plans include bringing in a D7 dozer to help push dirt and build slopes.
• 🛠️ The focus remains on using good clay for the center section and managing material efficiently.