Can Engineers Relocate Hoover Dam?

[Newai]

Assuming that funding is not an issue, is it within the limits of engineering to move Hoover Dam, including the Penstock Towers, in one piece a distance of several miles?

 

[phyzguy]

I would say no. Presumably you mean pick it up and move it in one piece. I can see how it would be possible to break it into pieces and move it piece by piece over a period of time, but I don't see how you could pick it up and move it whole. I calculate that it weighs ~10^13 kg. How would you lift it? And even if you could lift it, it would probably break into pieces under its own weight anyway.

 

[Newai]

Okay. Thanks for the input!

 

[Nik_2213]

Uh, given that you would want to tie it into the canyon floor and walls, it would make more sense to build a new dam and keep the old one as a silt catcher...

ps: I take it you'd empty the water before moving it ??

 

[alphy]

I would like to provide a response to the question of whether engineers can move Hoover Dam. This is a complex engineering problem and would require a thorough analysis of various factors such as structural integrity, construction methods, and logistical challenges.

Firstly, it is important to understand that Hoover Dam is a massive concrete structure weighing approximately 6.6 million tons. Moving such a heavy structure would require a significant amount of force and specialized equipment. Moreover, the dam is anchored to the canyon walls and the surrounding bedrock, making it a challenging task to detach it from its current location.

Additionally, the dam is designed to withstand the weight of the water in Lake Mead and the pressure it exerts on the structure. Moving the dam would require careful consideration of how to maintain its structural integrity during the process. The Penstock Towers, which are used to control the flow of water through the dam, are also an essential part of the structure and would present additional challenges in the moving process.

Even assuming that funding is not an issue, the logistical challenges of moving such a massive structure a distance of several miles are significant. It would require extensive planning and coordination with various stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and environmental groups.

In conclusion, while engineers have made significant advancements in the field of construction and transportation, the idea of moving Hoover Dam in one piece a distance of several miles is currently beyond the limits of engineering. It would require extensive research and development to come up with a feasible plan that ensures the safety and structural integrity of the dam during the moving process.