Kafrein Dam Raising, Giordania

Building a dam to optimize water usage and reduce waste. This is the essence of the Kafrein Dam enlargement project in Jordan. The original dam was constructed in 1967, but over the years, due to accumulated sediments, it lost a significant portion of its capacity (from 4.5 million m³ to 2.5 million m³).

The existing Kafrein Dam was 480 meters long and 30 meters high, with a reservoir capacity of 4.5 million cubic meters. The reconstruction work took place between 1995 and 1996, involving the elevation of the earthfill dam by 7 meters and the modification (demolition and reconstruction) of existing concrete structures, including the surface spillway, discharge chute, stilling basin, and intake tower. The length of the dam was extended to 554 meters. Additional works included a pedestrian walkway with supporting piers, an injection curtain on the abutments, and mechanical and metalwork structures.

By raising the Kafrein Dam, the reservoir capacity was increased to 8.5 million cubic meters. The project optimized water usage, reducing losses.