Loch Riecawr can be found in the middle of the Carrick Forest in south west Scotland and is 4 miles from the nearest metalled road. It’s approximately 1000ft above sea level and is exposed to an inland moderate to very severe environment as can be seen in the photographs.

The Loch is retained by a concrete gravity dam which is operated by Scottish Water for the supply of drinking water and covers and area of 82 hectares(202 acres) and it releases water into Loch Gower, Loch Finlas, and then Loch Bradan.

The dam itself was constructed some 90 years ago the original reinforcing bars are smooth with no deformations and there is very low cover to the bars in the walls. The dam is approximately 350m long with a spillway and valve tower and compensation valve all located near the centre of the structure.
Loch Riecawr Dam Concrete Repairs
Alec Rae
20/03/23

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CRL Scotland have been sub-contracted to George Leslie to access and repair both faces of the structure and the walkway to the top of the dam wall.

The project was separated into three phases. North/South side & Bridge section of the dam:

• North Side: Concrete repairs on the dry and wet face of the dam. Also walkway and  internal/external parapet repairs.
• South Side: Concrete repairs on the dry and wet face of the dam. Also walkway and  internal/external parapet repairs.
• Bridge: Walkway, Soffit, Spillway and internal/external parapet repairs.

Difficulties:

•Extreme weather conditions (34°C during summer then -10°C during winter).
•Road conditions (horrible forestry roads causing damage to CRL fleet).
•Constant rain and wind, creating waves on the loch.

However there is of course stunning sceneries, making everyone appreciate the beauty of the Scottish landscape.

CRL, for the first time, used Elon Musk’s creation "Starlink", providing satellite internet on the site and a method of communication in emergency conditions.