Reflecting on my recent participation in the US Society on Dams (USSD) Conference held in Seattle, USA, from 22 to 25 April 2024, I am energised by the wealth of knowledge exchanged and the collaborative opportunities that emerged.
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Explore career opportunitiesEngaging with industry leaders and experts in the field of concrete dams, the conference provided invaluable insights and actionable strategies to enhance our projects and opportunities at SMEC.
The theme of the USSD Conference, “The Ripple Effect: Amplifying the Importance of the Dam Industry,” resonated deeply with SMEC’s commitment to driving positive change through our work in dam engineering and construction. This theme emphasised the connection of our efforts and the significant impacts of our projects on communities, economies and the environment.
My participation at the conference included attendance to the Concrete Dams Committee meeting, including my involvement in the subcommittees on analysis and raising of concrete dams. Likewise, there was an opportunity to attend very interesting paper presentations during the technical sessions and networking with colleagues and dam service providers from North America and around the world.
Participating in the subcommittee drafting a white paper on raising concrete dams was particularly enlightening and may help in the Australian market on the upcoming raising of Burdekin Falls Dam and continue developing the concept design for the Mt Bold Dam upgrade.
The conference resulted in several technical highlights that will be shared with the broader dams team, including:
Incorporating these insights into our project strategies will enhance our engineering prowess and fortify our commitment to delivering sustainable, resilient infrastructure solutions. As we leverage the collective wisdom gleaned from forums like the USSD Conference, we reaffirm our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation in dam engineering and construction.
SMEC boasts a rich legacy of expertise in the dams and hydro sector. With a strong focus on delivering innovative and sustainable solutions, SMEC has established itself as a trusted partner for clients worldwide. Our multidisciplinary approach, coupled with deep domain knowledge, enables us to tackle complex challenges and deliver tangible outcomes that meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Francisco Lopez, Chief Technical Principal – Concrete Dams and Member of USSD Technical Committee on Concrete Dams
Reflecting on my recent participation in the US Society on Dams (USSD) Conference held in Seattle, USA, from 22 to 25 April 2024, I am energised by the wealth of knowledge exchanged and the collaborative opportunities that emerged.