Transferring experience into print

In the world of dam design and construction, Angus Hughson has emerged as a prominent figure, making significant contributions to the field through his extensive knowledge and expertise.

Since 2020, Angus has published a remarkable total of ten books, each delving deep into various aspects of dam design, construction techniques, and the associated challenges and solutions.

With a passion for engineering and a commitment to advancing the field, these publications have become valuable resources for engineers, researchers, and industry professionals seeking comprehensive insights into the intricacies of dam engineering.

His books quickly gained recognition as a must-read for anyone involved in dam projects. His ability to break down complex concepts into understandable terms, coupled with his practical approach to problem-solving, set the tone for all his books.

The Self-Builders Resource

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of exploration and construction? “Dams 101” is the comprehensive resource that will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to build your dream dam from scratch.

Whether you’re an avid DIY enthusiast or someone looking to add a stunning water feature to your property, “Dams 101” is your go-to companion. This eBook is designed to be accessible, informative, and straight forward.

Inside “Dams 101” you’ll discover everything you need to know about dam building, from understanding the principles of hydrology to selecting the ideal location for your project. 

‘Dams101’ will guide you through the entire construction process, breaking it down into manageable stages. But it doesn’t end there. We’ve also included valuable tips on maintenance, water conservation, and environmental considerations. We believe that responsible dam building goes hand in hand with preserving our natural resources.

Why Does Your Dam Leak?

“The Complete Guide to Dam Leaks” is a must-have downloadable eBook for dam owners, engineers, and maintenance personnel seeking to understand, detect, and address leaks in dams.

This comprehensive manual serves as an invaluable resource for identifying and resolving leakage issues to ensure the safety and stability of dams.

The book begins with an overview of dams and their importance in water management, highlighting the potential risks associated with leaks. It emphasizes the significance of proactive monitoring and regular inspections to mitigate the potential damage caused by leaks and prevent catastrophic failures.

The core of the manual dives into the various types of leaks that can occur in dams, ranging from seepage through the dam’s foundation or abutments to cracks in the dam body. Each type of leak is thoroughly explained, with case studies to help readers grasp the underlying causes and potential consequences.

Repair Your Leaking Dam

Dams play a crucial role in managing our water resources, providing irrigation, generating electricity, and supplying drinking water to communities around the world.

However, over time, these vital structures can develop leaks and other issues that threaten their effectiveness and stability. Recognizing the importance of addressing these concerns, we present to you “Dam Fix: The Ultimate Handbook for Repairing Leaking Dams.”

In this comprehensive ebook, we delve into the world of dam repair, offering practical guidance, expert advice, and innovative solutions for rehabilitating leaking dams.

Whether you are a dam owner, a civil engineer, a water resource manager, or simply a concerned citizen, this handbook will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to safeguard these vital structures and protect the surrounding environment.

Permaculture Dam Construction

“Eco Dams: How to Integrate Permaculture Principles into Sustainable Dam Design.” helps you embark on this journey at the intersection of water management, permaculture, and sustainable engineering.

Dams have played a significant role in shaping our civilizations, providing us with water supply, energy generation, and flood control.

However, the conventional approach to dam construction has often overlooked the delicate balance between human needs and the environment. As a result, many dams have had unintended consequences, leading to habitat destruction, altered ecosystems, and social upheaval.

But there is hope. By integrating permaculture principles into dam design, we have the opportunity to redefine the way we interact with our water resources. Permaculture, a design system rooted in the observation of natural ecosystems, offers a holistic approach that seeks to create harmonious and regenerative solutions.

How to use Bentonite for Dam Sealing

This is a comprehensive guide designed to empower dam owners and engineers with the knowledge and expertise necessary to effectively seal dams using the remarkable properties of bentonite.

In this book, we embark on a journey into the fascinating realm of dam construction and maintenance, exploring the pivotal role played by bentonite as a sealing material.

Bentonite, derived from volcanic ash deposits and comprising predominantly of clay minerals, possesses unique properties that make it an ideal choice for sealing dams. When hydrated, bentonite forms a dense, impermeable gel-like barrier, impeding water flow and preventing seepage. Its low permeability, high swelling capacity, and self-sealing properties have made it a popular choice among dam engineers worldwide.

In the pages of Bemtonite, we delve into the practical aspects of utilizing bentonite for dam sealing, drawing from years of experience, research, and case studies. Whether you are a dam owner seeking to enhance the longevity and safety of your structure or a professional involved in dam construction and maintenance, this guide is your go-to resource.

Heavy Equipment for Dam Construction

In this comprehensive book, we embark on a journey into the world of heavy machinery, exploring the remarkable array of equipment and techniques employed in the construction of dams.

Whether you are a seasoned engineer, an aspiring construction professional, or simply fascinated by the intricacies of infrastructure development, this guide will be your indispensable companion.

Dams, with their crucial roles in flood control and water supply, demand the use of specialized heavy equipment. From the powerful excavators that dig deep into the earth to the colossal bulldozers that move bulk fill, every machine plays a pivotal role in the creation of these engineering masterpieces.

Whether you seek to broaden your knowledge, enhance your professional expertise, or simply indulge in the awe-inspiring world of dam construction, “Big Dig” promises to be your ultimate guide. Join us as we unearth the secrets of the machines that shape our world, paying tribute to the immense power, precision, and artistry that goes into creating the engineering wonders we marvel at today.

Avoid Costly Dam Building Mistakes

“Dammit: How to Avoid Common Dam Building Mistakes,” serves as a comprehensive guide for engineers, project managers, and all those involved in dam construction to learn from the past, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure the success and safety of future dam projects.

Whether you are a seasoned professional in the field or a newcomer to dam construction, “Dammit” will equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

With a focus on proactive planning, risk assessment, and implementation of best practices, this book provides practical guidance to help you avoid the common mistakes that can plague dam projects..

So, whether you are an engineer seeking to enhance your expertise, a project manager striving for flawless execution, or a self-builder curious about the intricacies of dam construction, “Dammit: How to Avoid Common Dam Building Mistakes” will be your indispensable companion in navigating the complex world of dam construction.

Complete Spillway Guide

In the realm of modern agriculture, farm dams have become indispensable assets, providing a sustainable and reliable water supply to support various agricultural activities. These water reservoirs capture and store valuable rainfall, ensuring that farmers can efficiently manage irrigation, livestock, and domestic water needs.

However, ensuring the optimal functionality and safety of these dams requires a crucial component: well-designed and properly constructed spillways.

The spillway is a critical element of any farm dam, designed to control the release of excess water during periods of heavy rainfall or floods. Without a well-engineered spillway, a dam may suffer from overtopping, leading to catastrophic failure, property damage, and potential harm to surrounding communities and ecosystems.

Proper spillway design and construction is essential to ensure that the dam remains resilient, capable of withstanding nature’s forces, and continues to serve its intended purpose.

“Spillways: A Complete Guide to Design and Construction of Spillways for Farm Dams” is an exhaustive and comprehensive resource for farmers, engineers, and landowners seeking to understand the intricacies of spillway design, construction techniques, and best practices.

Step Up Your Dam Building Game

If you are a forward-thinking farm owner who dreams of maximizing water resources, enhancing agricultural productivity, and creating a greener tomorrow, then you’ve found the perfect guide to achieve your vision.

In this comprehensive manual, we embark on an exciting journey into the realm of advanced dam construction, designed explicitly for farmers seeking self-sufficiency and resilience in their agricultural practices.

Water is the lifeblood of any successful farm, and constructing a well-planned and efficiently managed dam can be the key to unlocking the full potential of your land.

Join us as we demystify the intricacies of dam engineering, providing you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to build robust and sustainable water storage solutions on your property. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer looking to upgrade your water management infrastructure or an aspiring agriculturalist eager to venture into the world of self-sufficiency, this book is tailored to cater to your needs.

Water Wise Farming

In the age of climate change and environmental consciousness, the world of agriculture is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Water-Wise Farming: Hugelkultur for Conservation-Minded Farmers” is your essential guide to a sustainable and innovative farming technique that’s revolutionizing the way we cultivate the land.

For farmers and land stewards looking to make a positive impact on the environment while increasing their agricultural productivity, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge.

Hugelkultur, a centuries-old farming method with roots in Eastern Europe, is gaining widespread recognition for its remarkable ability to conserve water, enrich soil, and promote bountiful harvests, all while reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.

Within the pages of “Water-Wise Farming,” you’ll embark on a journey of discovery, learning how to implement the principles of hugelkultur into your own farming practices. This book provides a comprehensive and practical guide, suitable for beginners and experienced farmers alike.

Water Plants for Dams

In “The Ultimate Guide to Water Plants for Dams,” I delve into the often underappreciated world of aquatic vegetation specifically suited for dam environments.

These unique ecosystems, created by the imposing structures that hold vast bodies of water, present a fascinating array of life and opportunities that, when managed correctly, contribute to the biodiversity and sustainability of our planet.

This comprehensive guide serves as an invaluable resource for environmental enthusiasts, biologists, landscape architects, and water management experts. It sheds light on the pivotal role of water plants, from their contribution to water quality by filtering pollutants to their provision of habitat and nourishment for wildlife. However, the book does more than highlight the ecological benefits; it provides practical advice on the selection, cultivation, and maintenance of these plants within the dam’s specific environmental constraints, ensuring that they contribute positively to their surroundings without becoming invasive.

Lindsey Angus Hughson retired as the President of BHP Diamonds in 2002. BHP Diamonds was a $6 billion division of the world’s largest mining company BHP Billiton.

BHP Diamonds was the second largest diamond mining company
in the world behind DeBeers of South Africa – and operated the massive Ekati diamond mine – Canada’s first surface and underground diamond mine. The mine is located above the Arctic Circle.

After retiring from BHP, he started Big Ditch Dam Building Co. Big Ditch would become the world’s leading earth dam construction company.

Big Ditch has won many global awards including Winner / Best Dam Building Company Construction & Engineering Awards London, Winner / Best Water Security Company Australian Enterprise Awards Melbourne, Winner / Dam Builder of the Year International Elite 100 London, Winner / Global Climate Change Innovation Innovation and Excellence Awards London, Winner / Best Global Dam Building Company International M&A Awards New York, Winner / Best Dam Construction Specialists 6th Annual Global Construction and Engineering Awards Singapore.