Revised Gibraltar Dam Analysis - Deep Channel Considerations

Strait Geography

Engineering Implications

  1. Previous Design Issues:
  2. Hydrostatic Pressure:

Alternative Approaches

  1. "Shallow Crossing" Strategy:
  2. "Deep Channel Bridge" Strategy:
  3. "Partial Depth" Strategy:

Revised Cost Estimates

For Shallow Crossing Strategy (Most Feasible): 1. Basic Structure: - Length: ~20km (vs. 14.5km) - Maximum depth: ~400m - Material volume: ~1.6 billion m³ - Concrete costs: ~$160 billion - Steel reinforcement: ~$25 billion

  1. Total Project Cost:

For Deep Channel Bridge Strategy: - Estimated additional cost: $150-200 billion - Total could exceed $600 billion - Technical feasibility uncertain

Power Generation Impact

The deeper understanding suggests: 1. Need to reduce maximum flow rates 2. More complex flow patterns 3. Possible reduction in power output to ~35-40 GW 4. Annual generation: ~280-300 TWh

Feasibility Assessment

Technical Challenges: 1. Unprecedented depth for dam construction 2. Material strength limitations 3. Construction methodologies unproven 4. Seismic risks more significant 5. Foundation conditions uncertain

The "Shallow Crossing" strategy emerges as the most feasible approach, despite higher material costs. The deep channel options present potentially insurmountable engineering challenges with current technology.

Project Viability

Economic Analysis (Shallow Crossing): - Cost per kW: ~$10,000-11,400 - Annual revenue (at $0.10/kWh): ~$26 billion - Payback period: ~15-17 years - ROI: ~6.5% annual

The project remains theoretically viable but with: - Significantly higher costs - Greater technical risks - Longer payback period - More complex construction challenges

This revised analysis suggests the project would be more expensive and technically challenging than initially estimated, but potentially still feasible using the "Shallow Crossing" strategy. The deep channel makes a full-depth dam impractical with current technology.