Submersible bulkhead system and method of operating same

A method of implementing a bulkhead system in relation to a dam so as to prevent or limit a flow of water past the dam, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of bulkhead sections assembled together as a bulkhead assembly, wherein each of the bulkhead sections includes a respective internal cavity that is configured to receive a respective amount of ballast therewithin;
• coupling first and second side assemblies to first and second ends of the bulkhead assembly so as to form the bulkhead system, wherein each of the side assemblies includes a respective first structural member that extends outward away from the bulkhead assembly from a respective first location along the respective end of the bulkhead assembly adjacent to which the respective side assembly is positioned, and also each of the side assemblies includes a respective brace member that extends outward away from a respective second location along the bulkhead assembly adjacent to which the respective side assembly is positioned, up to a respective further location along the respective first structural member of the respective side assembly;
• causing a first of the bulkhead sections to receive the respective amount of ballast therewithin;
• receiving water pressure at an upstream surface of the bulkhead assembly such that the bulkhead system is forced against the dam and substantially sealed in relation thereto;
• and
• operating to counteract the water pressure and thereby prevent or limit the flow of water past the dam, wherein the operating is performed at least in part by one or more brace members of the side assemblies of the bulkhead system.

A method of implementing a bulkhead system in relation to a dam so as to prevent or limit a flow of water past the dam, the method comprising:

• assembling a plurality of bulkhead sections together as a bulkhead assembly, wherein each of the bulkhead sections includes a respective internal cavity that is configured to receive a respective amount of ballast therewithin;
• further assembling first and second side assemblies to first and second ends of the bulkhead assembly and to one another so as to form the bulkhead system, wherein the further assembling of the side assemblies to one another includes coupling the side assemblies by way of one or more rods;
• causing a first of the bulkhead sections to receive the respective amount of ballast therewithin so as to result in tipping of the bulkhead assembly as the first bulkhead section becomes increasingly submerged relative to a remainder of the bulkhead assembly;
• additionally causing a second of the bulkhead sections to receive the respective amount of ballast therewithin so as to result in further submerging of the bulkhead assembly;
• receiving water pressure at an upstream surface of the bulkhead assembly such that the bulkhead system is forced against the dam and substantially sealed in relation thereto;
• and
• operating to counteract the water pressure and thereby prevent or limit the flow of water past the dam, wherein the operating is performed at least in part by one or more brace members of the side assemblies of the bulkhead system.