Fort Loudoun Dam

Undoubtedly, the most distinctive feature of the foundation at Fort Loudoun Dam was the presence of solution cavities at unprecedented depths below the water table. Solution occurred at depths as great as 300 ft below the original ground surface and 260 ft below the water table. Experience with this foundation has demonstrated that structural deformational features rather than rock solubility often control the depth and extent of weathering. Established grouting procedures and practices are described only briefly to permit a more complete discussion of the deep mining operations in the large bedding cavities both for consolidation and for the construction of an effective cutoff. In the north core wall, cavities were mined to a depth of 220 ft under the most difficult working conditions.