Gunnison Bend Spillway Reconstruction

TECHNICAL CHALLENGE: Emergency Spillway Reconstruction Under Extreme Conditions

In 1984, Gerber Construction rebuilt the Gunnison Bend Spillway, in Delta, Utah. This was a defining moment for Gerber as extreme weather conditions and a tight deadline complicated the already difficult work. Following catastrophic flooding in 1983-1984, this emergency reconstruction required advanced concrete placement under extreme weather conditions with non-negotiable timeline requirements.

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Engineering Challenges:

  • Emergency timeline requiring flood control restoration before next flood season
  • Extreme weather construction with sub-zero temperatures and severe wind conditions
  • Flood-damaged site conditions requiring extensive preparation and access restoration
  • Advanced concrete technology suitable for harsh placement conditions
  • Hydraulic design optimization for enhanced flood control capacity
  • Remote site logistics in challenging Delta, Utah location with limited infrastructure

Spillway Engineering Requirements:

  • Hydraulic capacity restoration exceeding original design for increased flood protection
  • Concrete durability design for 50+ year service life under severe weathering conditions
  • Foundation rehabilitation addressing flood damage and ensuring long-term stability
  • Erosion protection systems preventing future undermining and structural damage
  • Emergency access provisions for future maintenance and inspection requirements

PROJECT RESULTS: The Foundation of Company Legend

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Emergency Response Success:

  • Critical flood control restored before next flood season deadline
  • 30+ years of successful operation proving engineering and construction quality
  • Completing the Gunnison Bend Spillway in such difficult conditions contributed to the reputation that they were starting to build
  • Company defining project establishing reputation for projects others won't attempt

Leadership Recognition: "One of our niches is we excel at some of the most difficult projects that other people just don't want to be involved with," said Jason Woffinden, President of Gerber Construction since 2019 - Utah Construction & Design Magazine "True Grit" Feature

Engineering Legacy:

  • Extreme conditions expertise demonstrating technical capability under pressure
  • Emergency response capabilities essential for critical infrastructure careers
  • Quality under pressure maintaining engineering standards despite challenging conditions
  • Professional reputation built on succeeding where others fail

TECHNICAL MASTERY FOR ELITE ENGINEERS:

Emergency Construction Engineering:

  • Cold weather concrete technology and placement techniques
  • Emergency project management under non-negotiable timeline constraints
  • Hydraulic engineering for critical flood control infrastructure
  • Quality assurance systems adapted for challenging construction conditions

Professional Character Development:

  • Crisis management experience invaluable for senior engineering leadership
  • Technical problem-solving under extreme pressure and challenging conditions
  • Team leadership in high-stakes project environments with community safety implications
  • Quality delivery when failure has serious consequences for public safety

Media Recognition:

  • Utah Construction & Design "True Grit": https://www.utahcdmag.com/true-grit
  • Company Legacy Feature: Historical documentation of company-defining achievement

ENGINEERING SOLUTION: Advanced Emergency Construction

Cold Weather Concrete Technology:

  • Advanced mix design utilizing accelerated admixtures and optimized aggregate gradation
  • Thermal protection systems including heated enclosures and insulation blankets
  • Continuous temperature monitoring ensuring proper hydration under extreme conditions
  • Specialized placement techniques accommodating limited working windows
  • Quality assurance protocols adapted for challenging environmental conditions

Emergency Project Management:

  • Rapid mobilization capabilities deploying equipment and personnel under emergency conditions
  • Resource coordination securing materials and equipment during challenging winter conditions
  • Safety protocols protecting workers under extreme weather and emergency timeline pressure
  • Quality control maintaining engineering standards despite accelerated construction schedule

Hydraulic Engineering Excellence:

  • Flow capacity analysis utilizing advanced hydraulic modeling for optimal spillway geometry
  • Energy dissipation design preventing downstream erosion and structural damage
  • Foundation design accommodating flood-damaged conditions and future stability
  • Instrumentation installation enabling long-term performance monitoring