Fifteen Volvo Construction Equipment machines are being used to build the Boqaata dam in Lebanon.
The construction of the dam is taking place as part of a joint venture between ROCAD Construction Limited and Khoury Contracting. Once completed, the Boqaata dam, which is located on Lebanon’s Mount Sannine, will hold seven million cubic metres of water.
“The Mount Lebanon Province faces constant water shortages that affect a population of 400,000 people,” said project manager Bassam Egailat. “The Boqaata dam is definitely needed in the area, helping to increase tourism, economic development, and growth in the Matn District.”
The fleet of Volvo CE machines being used to build the 71m-high dam includes C-Series articulated haulers, D-Series and B-Series excavators, hydraulic excavators, C-Series and D-Series wheel loaders, and a soil compactor. The units are working 12 hours per day, six days per week.
“The machines are fuel efficient, with fast cycle times and low down time,” commented machinery superintendant Andre AbouJawde. “We are happy with the after service provided by Volvo’s dealership, which is present even in the remote areas to help with logistics. Its spare parts department holds around 30,000 parts in order to meet the client’s demands as quickly as possible.
“Our five A30 C-Series articulated haulers have proved [exceptionally manoeuvrable] over muddy terrains, where soil can become like sludge in winter,” he added. “We cannot use conventional trucks to haul, but the Volvos are capable of driving in any off-road conditions. They are fast and have short hauling cycle times.”
Located 1,000m above sea level, the Boqaata dam’s wall will contain 180,000m3 of roller-compacted concrete and 50,000m3 of conventionally vibrated concrete. Once completed, the wall will span 210m at its crest, and a 3km service road will be built, necessitating the excavation of one-million cubic metres of material.
The $70mn contract was awarded to the joint venture by Lebanon’s Ministry of Energy and Water. A total of 120 employees are working at the site, and the project is scheduled for completion in 2016.
