Evaluating Utility Foundations During Storm Restoration

Rising water can damage or weaken existing transmission line and substation utility foundations. In flooded areas, drilled shafts and driven piles need to be inspected to determine if damage has occurred as a result of erosion. Here’s what you need to check:

  1. Capacity - Drill shaft and other foundations can experience reduced capacity when water table rises 
  2. Exposure - Inspect for erosion/scour that exposes drilled shaft or driven pile foundations. Exposed shafts can result in reduced capacity.  Increased exposed shaft can compromise uplift/lateral/bearing capacity