Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The system was renamed the McAlpine Locks and Dam in 1960 in honor of William McAlpine, who was the only civilian to have ever served as district engineer for the Corps of Louisville. At present, the normal pool elevation is 420 feet (130 m) above sea level and the drainage area above the dam is 91,170 square miles (236,000 km 2 ).
The program's purpose was to replace the system of outdated wicket dams and small locks. The new dams were non-navigable and made of concrete and steel. Each dam has two adjoining locks, one 600-foot by 110-foot chamber, and a 1,200-foot by 110-foot chamber to accommodate fifteen barges that can lock through in one maneuver. [2]
The towers and machinery of the lift span were designed by Waddell and Son, Inc., and there is a plaque on the SW tower reading, "Waddell Vertical Lift Bridge, Waddell and Son, 1917". The draw span is across the upstream end of the Louisville and Portland Canal, which includes the McAlpine Locks and Dam.
The Tainter gate is used in water control dams and locks worldwide. The Upper Mississippi River basin alone has 321 Tainter gates, and the Columbia River basin has 195. A Tainter gate is also used to divert the flow of water to San Fernando Power Plant on the Los Angeles Aqueduct. [1] Tainter gate at McAlpine Dam, Ohio River, Louisville, Kentucky
The locks can be filled or emptied in around 8 minutes. The upper pool is normally at an elevation of 383.0 feet (116.7 m), mean sea level and the lower pool elevation is 358.0 feet (109.1 m), mean sea level. The lift (difference) between the two pool is 25 feet (7.6 m). 25 million US gallons (95,000 m 3) of water is required to operate the lock.
Get AOL Mail for FREE! Manage your email like never before with travel, photo & document views. Personalize your inbox with themes & tabs. You've Got Mail!
Main page; Contents; Current events; Random article; About Wikipedia; Contact us; Donate; Pages for logged out editors learn more
'He's gotta grow up, man," Tomlin said. "It's an emotional game, man. These divisional games are big. He's got a target on his back because he's George.