On Friday, July 14, the CEE Hydraulics Laboratory used an outdoor steep flume at the Engineering Research Center to test grout seams used in the installation of articulating concrete blocks (ACBs) revetment systems. This hydraulic testing is being performed for a global consulting company to provide design insight and risk assessment support, which can be applied in major dam projects.

ACB systems consist of interconnected concrete blocks cabled together to form a “mattress” (pictured below). Mattresses are typically grouted with a high-strength grout which can damage or destroy the blocks when removed. The Hydraulics Laboratory developed a removable grout seam which was tested in the prototype flume (pictured below). A removable grout would allow the reuse of the mattresses, reducing waste and saving significant material costs.

The tests pull water from the bottom of Horsetooth Reservoir through the 100’ steep flume at varying flow rates to measure the integrity and endurance of the project’s grout seams. Water used during testing is stored in College Lake for use in campus irrigation activities.