Gathering pertinent information for a power plant overhaul

Grand Coulee Dam Third Power Plant Unit Overhaul

The Grand Coulee Dam (GCD), located on the Columbia River in Washington State, is the largest electric power-producing facility in the United States. In service since the mid-1970s, GCD was in need of an equipment and facilities overhaul. We had already helped with the first two plant overhauls, so the US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, and Grand Coulee Power Office (GCPO) kept us on to help with the third.

Our team provided project planning, project management, and construction management for the Grand Coulee Dam Third Power Plant Overhaul project. Their goal was straightforward—ensure clean and reliable energy for the future. The challenge? Logistics were difficult because the overhauls required lay-down space for all turbine and generator parts as they were removed.

We started by gathering all pertinent information and identifying overhaul facilities, equipment, and tooling requirements necessary for success. Next, we provided options for equipment and material laydown. The study provided information on equipment weight and dimensions for major components, component layouts, disassembly and reassembly sequences, a list of tools and plant facilities, and potential safety concerns.

The logistics study experts provided a planning and training tool to be used during bidding and execution of the project, plant operation, and maintenance—helping to minimize errors and delays during construction. Ultimately, our risk-based cost estimates provided for better budgeting, contingency, and risk planning.