Failures

Although nobody likes to see a failure, especially a catastrophic one, it is important to learn whatever we can from them so that the geo-community does not make the same mistakes again.

Failures

Iraq Dam in Danger of Collapse

November 21, 2007 rockman Comments Off on Iraq Dam in Danger of Collapse

The Mosul Dam in Iraq is in danger of an "imminent collapse" according to a Washington Post article.  The dam threatens the lives of as many as 500,000 people in Mosul which could be innundated by over 60-ft of water if the dam fails. Parts of Baghdad could see as much as 15-ft of water. Read on for more info.

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Failures

27 Years Ago: Bizarre Drilling Disaster at Lake Peigneur

November 21, 2007 rockman 2

I thought the 17 27 year anniversary of this unique geological disaster was occasion enough for another look. On November 21, 1980 a Texaco oil rig was drilling an oil exploration well from Lake Peigneur in Southern Louisiana when the drill stem punched into the third level of the nearby Diamond Crystal Salt Company as a result of a miscalculation (understatement!). The lake, approximately 2.5 BILLION gallons, drained into the mine taking the drilling platform with it and another 11 barges, trees, and some of the surrounding terrain. As if that weren’t enough, the Delcambre Canal which normally flows from the lake into Vermillion Bay actually reversed flow for several days and filled the mine and the lake with salt water. It also temporarily created Louisiana’s tallest waterfall at 164-ft (see photo at left). Read on for more info, video, maps, and links.

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Failures

Tunnel Repair Begins on CO I-70

May 31, 2007 rockman Comments Off on Tunnel Repair Begins on CO I-70

ENR reports that repair work has begun on a portion of the Hanging Lake Tunnel on I-70 in Glenwood Colorado after a crack opened up in the tunnel bore ceiling slab. Read on for more info. (CDOT Photo)

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Failures

2005 Emergency Sinkhole Repair in Detroit Area

February 26, 2007 rockman Comments Off on 2005 Emergency Sinkhole Repair in Detroit Area

I recently came upon a link to an interesting emergency project in the Detroit Area. A 245′ by 130′ sinkhole opened up in August of 2004 as a result of the failure of an 11-ft diameter sewer sewer main located an amazing 60-ft below the ground surface! The remediation involved some very interesting geotechnical issues. 

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