Nondestructive Evaluation of Concrete Bulkheads at Allatoona Lake Dam

BDI was engaged by the owner of the Allatoona Lake Dam near Cartersville, Georgia, to evaluate the condition of two concrete bulkheads located on the dam’s downstream side. These bulkheads provide the potential for future hydroelectric capacity expansion, making their condition an important factor in long-term asset management and infrastructure planning.

To assess the structures, BDI performed a comprehensive nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and applied multiple testing methods to identify deterioration, corrosion risks, and subsurface defects. The team used Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to locate areas susceptible to deterioration due to moisture, chloride contamination, and corrosion products. BDI also used Impact Echo (IE) and MIRA Ultrasonic Tomography to identify voids, defects, and other subsurface concrete issues while evaluating overall concrete integrity. Through hammer sounding, the team identified areas of delaminated concrete, and Half-Cell Potential (HCP) testing helped assess the likelihood of reinforcing steel corrosion throughout the bulkheads.

BDI’s engineers collected, analyzed, and integrated data from each testing method to develop a comprehensive understanding of the structures’ condition. The team delivered detailed reports and engineering exhibits that highlighted areas with elevated corrosion potential, deterioration risks, and existing concrete defects.

By identifying current problem areas and potential future deterioration, BDI provided the project team with the information needed to prioritize maintenance activities, plan future investments, and support the long-term reliability of this critical water resources and hydroelectric infrastructure asset.