Abstract:
In 2014, a deep sinkhole opened up directly under the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Eight very valuable Corvettes, of various vintages, were swallowed by the sinkhole, which extended very deeply and directly under the Sky dome structure, where the cars were displayed on a concrete slab-on-grade for the museum. Immediate response was required and micropile foundations were chosen as the most effective repair to prevent the structure from totally collapsing
An extensive cave system was discovered under the building. Caves are common in karst terrain and in this area of Kentucky. The micropiles were attached to the existing shallow foundations and drilled directly through the caves to support the structure. A chronological presentation, documenting the collapse, repair efforts, micropile design and installation and including recovering the cars, will be presented.