General Edgar Jadwin Dam, USA
AEG, a SOCOTEC US Company, delivered surveying and geotechnical services as part of a dam safety improvement project at the General Edgar Jadwin Dam, a key flood control structure protecting Wayne County, Pennsylvania.
Key Informations
- Project Name: General Edgar Jadwin Dam
- Client: Department of Defense
- Location: Wayne County, PA
- Services Provided: Surveying and Geotechnical Services
Challenge of strengthening critical Flood Control Infrastructure
The General Edgar Jadwin Dam, located in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, is part of a regional flood risk management system designed to protect surrounding communities along the Lackawaxen River basin.
As a dry dam dedicated exclusively to flood control, the structure plays a key role in temporarily retaining excess water during extreme weather events.
The project presented several technical challenges, including:
- Ensuring long-term structural reliability of a critical flood control asset
- Addressing seepage and internal stability risks within the dam embankment
- Meeting modern dam safety requirements for aging infrastructure
- Minimizing environmental and hydrological impacts during intervention works
- Maintaining operational continuity within a sensitive flood management system
The intervention required advanced engineering solutions to reinforce the dam while preserving its flood mitigation function.
The Solution
Geotechnical Reinforcement and Dam Safety Improvements
SOCOTEC supported the dam safety upgrade through technical expertise focused on geotechnical performance, material control, and long-term durability.
The project scope included:
- Installation of a geosynthetic liner system on the upstream slope and crest
- Integration of geomembrane, geotextile, geogrid, and granular materials to improve stability
- Removal and replacement of existing riprap and embankment materials
- Implementation of monitoring systems, including piezometer installations
- Execution of existing and final conditions survey using scanning, GPS, and conventional survey methods
- Detailed topography across all disturbed areas of the dam
- Collected northing, easting, and elevation data for multiple well points
- Provided survey documentation for excavation, riprap removal, replacement, and installation
This multidisciplinary approach helped enhance the structural integrity of the dam while reinforcing its flood protection capacity.
SOCOTEC supported the dam safety upgrade through technical expertise focused on geotechnical performance, material control, and long-term durability.
The project scope included:
- Installation of a geosynthetic liner system on the upstream slope and crest
- Integration of geomembrane, geotextile, geogrid, and granular materials to improve stability
- Removal and replacement of existing riprap and embankment materials
- Implementation of monitoring systems, including piezometer installations
- Execution of existing and final conditions survey using scanning, GPS, and conventional survey methods
- Detailed topography across all disturbed areas of the dam
- Collected northing, easting, and elevation data for multiple well points
- Provided survey documentation for excavation, riprap removal, replacement, and installation
This multidisciplinary approach helped enhance the structural integrity of the dam while reinforcing its flood protection capacity.
Results in enhanced safety and long-term Flood Protection
The modernization works delivered significant improvements in performance and resilience for the Jadwin Dam infrastructure:
1# Strengthened structural stability of the dam embankment
2# Reduced seepage risks and improved internal water pressure control
3# Increased long-term reliability of flood risk management operations
4# Reinforced protection for downstream communities in Wayne County
#5 Extended service life of a critical federal infrastructure asset
The project contributes to the continued effectiveness of the regional flood control system, ensuring safer and more resilient water management infrastructure.
