Portugués Dam, Arch dam near Ponce, Puerto Rico.
The Portugués Dam is an arch dam in Puerto Rico that spans the valley with a curved concrete structure. It employs roller-compacted concrete in a thick arch design to hold water and provide flood control.
This structure was developed in 2008 to address flood risks affecting the Ponce region. Its arch design represented a new engineering approach for water management in the area.
During construction, workers discovered a pre-Columbian ceremonial plaza and burial ground, requiring specialized transport of artifacts to laboratories in Georgia.
Visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the structure and the surrounding valley. The best views come from positions that show the entire arch design clearly.
The Portugués Dam stands as the first single-centered roller-compacted concrete thick arch dam constructed within United States territory.
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