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CANADYS STATION ASH POND

Walterboro, South Carolina

FME provided geotechnical services for the 95-acre ash pond at the Canadys Station. SCE&G’s power plant formerly generated 470 megawatts of electricity by burning pulverized coal in three generating units. Coal fly ash from plant operations was then deposited into the ash pond, which was formed partially through excavation and partially through construction of earthen dikes.

FME conducted a field exploration that consisted of cone penetrometer soundings with static cone measurements and shear wave velocity determinations. Utilizing this and information from previous work, FME developed a site characterization with subsurface stratigraphy and lithology along the containment dike and soil strength parameters and dynamic response parameters.

Following the subsurface exploration, FME completed a structural stability analysis for static and seismic loading conditions for the perimeter containment system. To perform the analysis, FME established the design earthquake and ground motion for the site. Next, FME developed a factor of safety for the design loading conditions using the design earthquake. As part of FME’s overall risk assessment, multiple design scenarios were analyzed, to include steady-state seepage, separation dike, rapid drawdown, seepage parallel to slope, inundated slopes of sand mine, and post-earthquake stability.