Resource
Alexander Dam: The Story of a Hydraulic Fill Construction Failure on Kauai, 1930
Resource Type
ASDSO Conference Papers
Reference Title
Alexander Dam: The Story of a Hydraulic Fill Construction Failure on Kauai, 1930
Organization/Agency
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
Publisher Name
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
Year
2020
Date
September 21-25, 2020
Event Name
Dam Safety 2020 - 37th Annual Conference
Event Location
Virtual Conference
ASDSO Session Title
Decade Dam Failure Series Part I: Failed but Rebuilt
Abstract/Additional Information
Alexander Dam, the second tallest embankment in Hawaii, is located on the island of Kauai. The dam failed during construction in 1930, causing the fatalities of six construction workers on the embankment. The dam was designed as a hydraulic filled embankment used to irrigate local sugarcane fields. The embankment was at a height of 95 feet and 78% complete when it failed. The embankment was rebuilt, completed in 1932, and it remains in service today. Although the dam industry has moved away from hydraulic fill construction practices, there are many important lessons to be learned from this event.
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