August 2026: A Multifaceted Radial Gate Assessment: Coordinated Inspection, Testing, and Analysis of Aging Radial Gates

Includes a Live Web Event on 08/27/2026 at 10:00 AM (MDT)

Understanding the condition and performance of aging spillway infrastructure is critical for ensuring long-term dam safety and reliability. This webinar highlights the Brazos River Authority’s comprehensive assessment of the spillway gates at DeCordova Bend Dam, a 1969 Ambursen slab and buttress dam that impounds Lake Granbury in Texas.

In 2024, BRA undertook a unique, multi-faceted investigation of all 16 radial gates and associated hoisting systems to support future maintenance and rehabilitation planning. The effort combined detailed field inspections, strain-gauge instrumentation and testing, and targeted structural analyses to evaluate gate behavior under operational conditions.

Participants will learn how the integration of field observations, real-time performance data, and analytical modeling provided valuable insights into gate operation, quantified the effects of trunnion friction, validated structural models, and helped identify rehabilitation priorities. The presentation will discuss key findings, lessons learned, and how this coordinated approach reduced uncertainty in the condition assessment while supporting informed decisions to extend the reliable service life of critical spillway infrastructure.

Kyle Ramer

Bridge Diagnostics, Inc.

Mr. Ramer has been involved in the testing and evaluation of hundreds of structures over his 15-year professional career with BDI. Kyle now acts as BDI’s Structural Testing Lead responsible for project development, field data-based structural investigation, and structural analysis. Mr. Ramer acted as BDI’s project manager and analysis engineer for the project being discussed today.

Josh Paquet

Chief Hydraulic Structure Engineer

GFT Infrastructure, Inc.

As a Chief Hydraulic Structures Engineer, Josh has more than twelve years of experience in inspecting, evaluating, and designing hydraulic structures. He is experienced in inspecting various hydraulic structures, including radial Tainter gates, vertical slide gates, miter lock gates, bulkhead structures, braced cofferdams, reinforced concrete piers and spillways, operation walkways, hoist support systems, penstocks, and powerhouses. He also has extensive experience with analyzing existing and proposed structures, including steel gates, operator walkways, penstocks, bulkheads, reinforced concrete hydraulic structures, braced cofferdams, foundation piling, and foundation anchors. Using rope access and confined space training, he typically conducts inspections of hydraulic structures that exhibit challenging access.

Wesley Williams

Project Engineer

Brazos River Authority

Wesley Williams is a licensed professional engineer with five years of experience in civil infrastructure projects. He has supported and overseen projects involving dam safety and rehabilitation efforts, structural assessments, and new construction from planning through execution. He earned his degree from Texas A&M University in 2020 and has been with the Brazos River Authority since 2021.