Installer Spotlight: The Benefits of Polyurea Coatings for Hydroelectric Power

At OBIC, we love to hear about the different types of applications our certified installers use our products on. One such project was recently completed by Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (ART) at the historic Auglaize River Dam in Defiance, Ohio.

Over 100 years old, this hydroelectric power generator still contributes to the local area’s energy usage. When concrete began deteriorating on its exterior walls, the dam’s operators needed a solution that would endure and maintain the dam’s operational integrity. In 2023, ART was called in to help address these issues on one half of the dam wall using OBIC products. After those successful repairs, ART returned in 2024 to complete the remaining sections on the other side of the wall. One section in need of repair was approximately 10′ x 10′ in size, one was approximately 4′ x 15′, and the third was 5′ x 5′.

Using the OBIC Armor System, which consists of OBIC 1306 closed-cell foam sandwiched between two moisture-barrier layers of OBIC 1000, ART applied protective coatings to these sections of the dam wall. This combination of materials ensured maximum protection, with the closed-cell foam providing thermal insulation and preventing water intrusion, which is crucial in a demanding environment like the Auglaize River Dam. A grey finishing color was specifically chosen to blend naturally with the concrete and resist UV fading over time, ensuring both a functional and aesthetic solution.

The application required precision and adaptability. ART’s team used a crane to access hard-to-access areas on the dam, coordinating equipment from both the ground and wall. This process allowed for precise application, despite the structure’s challenging height and layout. A quick one-day turnaround enabled the hydroelectric plant to stay fully operational, underscoring OBIC’s commitment to solutions that minimize disruption.

With OBIC’s protective layers now in place, the Auglaize Dam benefits from added protection against future degradation, reducing maintenance needs and reinforcing its role as a critical power source. As OBIC and ART continue to deliver innovative solutions to aging infrastructure, we’re proud to support community facilities like the Auglaize River Dam and help extend their lifespan by 50 years or longer.

Watch this project in action!

To learn more about Advance Rehabilitation Technology’s services or schedule a free demo in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, western New York, western Maryland, Virginia, or Illinois, visit www.artcoatingtech.com or call 419-636-2684. To learn more about our OBIC-certified installer network, discuss your next project, or schedule a demo, please send an email to info@obicproducts.com or call 866-636-4854.