AbstractThe goal of this project was to discuss and evaluate different dam foundation improvement techniques including two different positive cut-off walls, grouting, and a combination of these. These techniques were analyzed based on four different evaluation criteria: cost, environmental impacts, risk and constructability. Finally a schematic design was created based on the most suitable foundation improvement.

Foundation Improvement EvaluationKentucky River Lock and Dam No. 8

Michael Kendall and Karyn SutterWorcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Advised By: Suzanne LePage and Frederick Hart

Background

Methods/Process• Came up with three different design options

• Applied four different evaluation criteria to design options: cost, environmental impacts, risks and constructability

• Based on evaluation criteria, choose the best design option and completed capstone design by making a CAD drawing of the proposed foundation improvement

ResultsCost

Environmental Impacts• US Army Corps of Engineers 404 Section 10 Permit• Kentucky Division of Water 401 PermitRisks• Seepage reduction crucialConstructability• All designs practical

Capstone Design

AcknowledgementsWe would like to thank the following people for their help and support during this project:

Professor Suzanne LePage, Professor Frederick Hart, Daniel Gilbert, April Welshans, and Adam Hacker

Design Total Cost

Design 1 $2,506,804

Design 2 $2,948,554

Design 3 $5,024,554

Design Description

Design 1 Grouting in all regions

Design 2 Grouting in all regions,

secant wall in region 2

Design 3 Grouting in all regions,

secant wall in region 2, 3

and 4

ConclusionsCost was the most important of the evaluation criteria as the other three had similar if not the same effects on each design option. It was decided that Design Option 2 was the best choice for Lock and Dam No. 8. Although it was not the cheapest option for only a slightly higher cost it provided a better chance at reducing seepage.

Profile View of Grout Holes and Secant Pile Wall

Grout Curtain• Materials including

portland cement and admixtures

• Increased pressure with depth

Secant Wall• Overlapping

shafts backfilled with concrete

Layout of Grout Holes and Secant Wall