Condition Survey of Lock and Dam 53, Ohio River.
Abstract
A condition survey of Lock and Dam 53, which is located on the Ohio River between Paducah, Kentucky, and Cairo, Illinois, was authorized and funded by the U. S. Army Engineer District, Louisville, in April 1973. Lock and Dam 53 was constructed approximately 45 years ago, and the purpose of this investigation was to determine the general condition of the structure in order that effective plans could be made to accommodate present and future river traffic. The U. S. Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station was requested to conduct a part of the investigation, including a crack survey, borehole camera studies in drilled holes, and sonic studies of the structure. The Ohio River Division Laboratory (ORDL) conducted physical tests and a petrographic examination of drilled concrete cores. Results of ORDL's tests are also included in this report. The results of the investigations indicate that the concrete in the underwater sills, the piers, and the fixed weir is dense, homogeneous concrete free from damage from cement-aggregate reaction, from sulfate attack, and from serious frost damage. Cracking of the concrete was extensive, but not excessive, and apparently can be attributed to physical causes such as freeze-thaw cycles of the exposed concrete, normal shrinkage, and minor foundation problems. Excessive cracking was found only in pier 2. The cracking in pier 2, however, is not considered to be structurally damaging. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1974
- Accession Number
- ADA029817
Entities
People
- Billy J. Houston