Geodetic movement monitoring of dams and fracture characterization of foundation rock in Northeast Oklahoma

The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) is responsible for maintaining power-producing facilities in Northeast Oklahoma and keeping up with the local energy demand. Because the structural nature of the dam foundations is largely unknown in this area, we have partnered with the GRDA to assist in evaluating the structural integrity of the rock foundation beneath the dam facilities in Mayes County, Oklahoma, and to provide further information on the nature of the weaknesses in the rock strata. This study uses geodetic data to extend the 1.5-year Global Navigation Satellite Systems record on the structural monitoring of the concrete portion of the Robert S. Kerr Dam and provides new geodetic data on the Robert S. Kerr Embankment, the Salina Pumped Storage Project, and Salina Dike. In addition, this project uses the available geophysical logs from cores that were drilled recently at the Robert S. Kerr Dam to quantify the fracture frequency within the subsurface. This study found that the structural movement of the Robert S. Kerr Dam is based on the ambient air temperature changes throughout the year, and that the overlying Reeds Spring Formation contained the highest fracture frequency. With both fracture characterization and geodetic movement monitoring, the GRDA can decide the next best course of action for the dams to ensure that the energy demands are met and the residents of Mayes County live in safety.