Project description
The Bimont Dam is a strategic structure in the Aix-en-Provence region, providing drinking water supply, agricultural irrigation, flood protection, and electricity production through its two small hydroelectric plants.
Classified as Category A, it constitutes an essential safety reserve for several municipalities in the area, while also contributing to the supply of the industrial zone in the Arc Valley.
With its multiple uses, the dam plays a key role in water resource management on the scale of the Aix-Marseille metropolitan area, covering notably 30% of drinking water needs as well as irrigating nearly 8,000 hectares of agricultural land.
The renovation project aims to ensure the longevity and modernization of this major structure by rehabilitating areas affected by historical phenomena of concrete swelling and cracking, while incorporating current regulatory requirements.
It also seeks to improve safety and public accessibility at a site visited by nearly 200,000 people each year, through the securing of access points and pathways. Finally, this operation is part of an effort to preserve and enhance the regional hydraulic heritage, in order to sustainably guarantee the services provided to the territories and users.
Furthermore, the renovation of the regional concessioned heritage is part of the essential missions of the Société du Canal de Provence, which dedicates nearly 25 million euros per year to this purpose.
Services provided by SCP:
- Management of studies and preparatory work for the dam renovation, including the temporary diversion of flows via a micro-tunneling method.
- Execution of 3D numerical modeling studies.
- Modernization of hydraulic and energy infrastructures, with the installation of a floating pipeline, the renovation of the small hydroelectric plant, and electrical equipment.
- Enhancement of safety and monitoring of the structure, through the improvement of the monitoring system, and a comprehensive inspection of the sluice gates.
- Rehabilitation of the dam structures, particularly through the vault strengthening works.
- Improvement of public safety through the installation of warning sirens integrated into the risk management system.
