2026 USSD RCC Dam Workshop

Description

The Evolution of Roller-Compacted Concrete: From Innovation to Modern Dam Construction November 11–12, 2026  

Asheville, North Carolina Area In-Person Workshop + Exclusive Field Tour 

Join the United States Society on Dams (USSD) Concrete Dams Technical Committee for a two-day, in-person workshop exploring the evolution, design, construction, and future of roller-compacted concrete (RCC) in dams and hydraulic structures. Since its introduction in the early 1980s, RCC has transformed from a “real cheap concrete” construction method into an advanced, engineered material used to build high-quality, durable, and sustainable dams around the world. This workshop will explore the innovations, lessons learned, and emerging technologies that have shaped RCC construction over the past four decades. 

Experience RCC Construction in Action: The workshop will feature a field tour of the I-40 Pigeon River Gorge Project, where approximately 800,000 cubic yards of RCC are being placed as part of permanent roadway embankment repairs following major storm damage. This is a unique RCC application that employs production and placement methodologies normally utilized in large dam construction for a roadway application. The purpose of the RCC feature (which is approximately 5 miles long and reaches heights up to 70 feet) to armor the roadway embankment against an extreme flood event of similar scale to the event triggered by Hurricane Helene 

Who Should Attend? Designed for dam owners, engineers, designers, contractors, regulators, and industry professionals, the workshop will combine technical presentations from leading RCC experts with a unique opportunity to visit an active RCC construction project. Dam engineers and geotechnical professionals Civil and structural engineers Dam owners and operators Construction managers and contractors Regulators and public agencies Consultants involved in concrete dam design, rehabilitation, and construction 

Location Embassy Suites by Hilton Asheville Downtown 

Hotel Block: USSD has negotiated a low room rate for attendees. Breakfast is included for attendees who book inside the hotel block (separate event breakfast will not be provided) https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=AVLESES&groupCode=CES905&arrivaldate=2026-11-10&departuredate=2026-11-13&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT