Page 11 - Landscape-Issue126
P. 11

Malkerns Square


 Dam Development









 +27 (0) 72 211 4898
 projects@waterscapes.co.za
 www.waterscapes.co.za/




        Stream development

        The  dam is  accompanied  by  a  187m long  stream,     Unlike the dam’s waterproo ng system, the stream
        further enhancing the visual appeal of the project’s    sections were lined with a recycled scrim reinforced pvc
        landscaped area. Adorned with natural rock placings     material to prevent erosion actions due to the 100m³/
 The construction of the dam and stream has created a strong natural element to   and  ourishing water plants, the stream creates a   hr  ow rate of the stream section. As the stream had


                                                                to traverse down a six metre gradient, stone weirs were
        serene and picturesque environment. This integration
 the landscaping. With a volume of 3 500 kl, an area of 2680m² and a stream of   of natural elements not only improves the aesthetic   constructed to capture the falls in the elevation. The 13
 187m long, this is an integral part of the overall project.   appeal but also promotes biodiversity, providing   weirs are accentuated with a variety of water plants and
        habitats for aquatic  ora and fauna.

                                                                speci c rock and boulder  nishes.



 he centre piece of the water   foundation is compacted and speci c   creating a subsoil drainage trench
 management  project  is  the   tests were completed, ensuring that   30m long and approximately six   Design features

 cut and  ll constructed dam.   cut/ ll portions met the minimum   metres below the dam’s water   The design of the overall water system

 TWith an average depth   engineering requirements. We found   level. This water is directed to a   at Malkerns Square incorporates several
 of 1.4m, it spans the landscape,   large subsoil water movement on the   constructed well adjacent to the dam   key elements important to the overall
 capturing  and  storing  water  higher side of the dam which had to   and automatically pumped back into   operation of such a system, namely:
 for various purposes. The dam’s   be re-directed. This was achieved by   the dam.    1.  A suction point: The dam and stream
      system is equipped with a strategically
      placed suction point that balances to
      a constructed underground reservoir
      alongside the dam, allowing for
      ef cient extraction of water to meet

      various needs.
   2.  A spillway: To regulate water levels
      during heavy rainfall or excessive


      in ow, an over ow has been
      constructed to move water to the        The construction of the dam and     environmental consciousness. By

      attenuation dam system.                 stream represents a signi cant      creating this reliable water source,
   3.  Delivery   points:  A   designated     step towards sustainable water      the project not only meets the
      delivery point has been established to   management. With its size, capacity   present needs of water storage but
      distribute the water to different areas   and innovative features, this     also contributes to the long-term

      ef ciently. These increase circulation   project showcases the integration   ecological balance and prosperity
      and aeration of the water body.         of engineering practices with       of nature.


   Empowering the community
   Waterscapes recognised the potential of engaging the      construction. Participants learned about erosion control,
   local community and imparting valuable skills that would   sediment management and the importance of preserving

 Waterproo ng with bentonite  bene t them personally and professionally. Waterscapes   local biodiversity. The project highlights environmental



 To ensure the dam’s impermeability, a waterproo ng technique   empowered  a group  of 12  unskilled residents  with   bene ts, sustainable practices and ecosystem preservation.
 using raw bentonite was used. Bentonite, a clay mineral with   the necessary knowledge and technical skills to assist
 excellent sealing  properties,  was applied  to  the dam’s  surface,   in completing the project. The skills included site
 preventing water leakage and ensuring maximum water   preparation, excavation, concrete mixing, reinforcing and
 retention. This environmentally friendly solution not only secures   structural integrity.
 water resources but also preserves the natural integrity of the   The local workforce was also educated about the
 surrounding ecosystem. The product is spread evenly over the   environmental bene ts and were made aware of how

 surface using a gridline method to ensure that the correct ratios   dam construction and stream management can mitigate
 are applied, depending on the existing soil type and contents.   the impact of  ooding, improve water availability for

 This is evenly spread, carefully rotivated and then compacted.   agriculture and create opportunities for irrigation.
 The addition of water then hydrates the bentonite, and the   Training sessions emphasised the signi cance of

 “absorption” creates a “swelling” which contains the water body.  implementing environmentally friendly practices during
   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16