Innovative Waterfront Retaining Wall System Saves a Condominium

Following record spring precipitation in April 2008, Table Rock Dam, located in Southwest Missouri, opened all ten of its flood gates to lower the water level of Table Rock Lake and prevent flooding within the basin. The subsequent flow into Lake Taneycomo below was the highest on record and resulted in damage to the lake channel and many structures downstream. Significant scour along the banks of the lake resulted in multiple slope failures. The slope below one condominium building fell away leaving a portion of the building hanging unsupported over the lake below. To save this building and protect several other buildings in the area, GeoEngineers developed an innovative solution to support the building, regain lost waterfront property and protect the bank from future flood events. Because the river is an important fish habitat and tourist destination, the solution had to be integrated into the surrounding vegetation and geology and not unduly impact the river water quality during construction.