Dams & Contour Banks.

Using our D6r bulldozer, we're well-equipped to build dams and contour banks on rural properties across the Darling Downs.

Build a dam, building contour banks - minimise erosion and help you get more out of your field. Erosion cuts down productivity

Considering having a dam put in on your property and curious about the process?

1. Find a site

Of course, you'll start by considering where you want to build the dam. Consider the topography of your land, where water is available, and what the soil is like. Also think about the purpose of the dam - is it for irrigation, livestock or recreational use?

2. Have the site surveyed

Having the site surveyed will help capture more detailed information about the site. It's one thing to eyeball your fall levels, it's another to get your topographic data that details water flow, terrain and soil characteristics. This will be crucial to designing a dam that is well-suited to your purpose.

3. Design the dam

This is pretty straightforward - what is the dam going to look like? Consider the size, shape, and any material details. Where are the spillway, inlets and outlets going to be positioned to help you manage water flow?

4. Permissions
At this point, you want to talk to your local council to consider if you'll need any approvals. This might include your land zone, water use or environmental impacts. 

5. Clearing and Grading
This is where we come in! We'll come in and clear vegetation and debris from the area in preparation for the dam. Next, we'll likely grade the site to create a level foundation for the dam and ensure the soil is well compacted to provide stability.

6. Building up the embankment

At this point, we're ready to build up the dam embankment using locally available materials. Working from your design, we'll build the embankment and compact layers to achieve good stability.

7. Finishing off your dam

At this point, it depends on what you're using the dam for. You'll likely include a spillway, and build your inlet/outlet structures.  You may also consider vegetation around the dam to prevent erosion. Lastly, you'll be keeping an eye on the dam, especially after heavy rain, to see that it's functioning how you intended. 

Slow down or capture run off and minimise erosion across your property with well-built contour banks. Here's what's involved...

1. Assess the site

Start by assessing the property and considering what contours already exist, and where contours are still needed. Look at your slope, water runoff, and soil type.

2. Plan your contours

Put together an outline that details the locations and dimensions of the contour banks, considering what you actually want to achieve. 

3. Marking Contour Lines
You're ready to get stuck in - start by using surveying equipment or simple leveling tools to mark contour lines out. these will serve as a guide for building the contour banks. 

4. Constructing your Contour Banks
If we're not already here, working with you, this is where we start. We'll excavate soil along the contour line to create trenches/banks and then pill it on the downhill side to form banks. How large these banks are depends largely on the slope and soil type. 

5. Finishing up 

Lastly, you'll want to consider erosion control measures to help you maintain your banks. It may be cover crops or mulch, depending on the nature of the land on your property.