Soldier Creek Dam Foundation Drainage

A possible mode of failure for Teton Dam, piping of erodible core material through unsealed foundation joints, was also concluded as being possible at Soldier Creek Dam, Utah. Evaluations examined the quality of the constructed foundation and the characteristics of the dam embankment. Drilled foundation drains from existing or constructed abutment tunnels were constructed in addition to a few drains drilled from the downstream abutment surface. A long drain hole and pipe 595 feet in length were constructed to carry collected seepage from the right abutment tunnel. Slotted PVC pipes wrapped with geotextile for a filter were installed in the drain holes. The drains, constructed to within 25 feet of the grout curtain, protect as much of the core as possible.