Dam Rehabilitation Projects in Northeast Georgia: An Overview

Georgia Power’s North Georgia Development consists of six hydroelectric generating projects on the Tallulah and Tugalo Rivers in the mountainous regions of northeast Georgia. The development extends over 37.5 miles from the head of Lake Burton to Yonah Dam and has a total hydraulic fall of approximately 1200’. There are 19 generating units installed in the six powerhouses with a total nameplate rating of 166,420 KW. The North Georgia Development was constructed during the period of 1912 to 1927. The development generally consists of gravity structures. Concrete placement appears to be the same in the five dams investigated. Plumstones were placed on each lift surface for additional weight and to form a rough surface between lifts to prevent sliding. Detailed foundation investigations have been conducted on three of these projects (Tugalo Dam, Burton Dam and Nacoochee Dam) to determine site-specific conditions and strength parameters for evaluation of existing stability under current FERC criteria concerning Probable Maximum Flood (PMF)l. Subsequent designs of post-tensioned anchorage systems ensured adequate safety factors against sliding in compliance with FERC requirements.