Rehabilitation of TVA's Great Falls Project

by C. B. Feagans, III, TVA, Chattanooga, TN, USA,
B. G. Ragsdale, TVA, Chattanooga, TN, USA,
E. L. Spearman, TVA, Chattanooga, TN, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Power '87

Abstract:

After seventy-one years of productive service, this two-unit, 31,860 kV plant is undergoing a major rehabilitation. The deterioration of the project has been of concern since the beginning of this decade when it became apparent that some action would be required to either retire the facility, rehabilitate it, or to construct a new project. Major maintenance to the two units can no longer be performed due to safety concerns for the powerhouse crane. Access to the powerhouse for major repairs is limited. Dam safety studies indicated that the existing spillway capacity is grossly inadequate. Additionally, there is concern for the structural adequacy of the dam. Rim leakage which had been successfully abated by grouting in the mid-forties, has been steadily increasing. Feasibility studies indicated the best alternative for the power facilities was to rehabilitate. Studies also indicated the dam could be strengthened by posttensioning to permit overtopping. Final design for rehabilitating the project was started in 1985 and construction began in 1986.

Subject Headings: Rehabilitation | Project management | Power plants | Feasibility studies | Hydro power | Dam safety | Spillways | Tennessee | United States

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