Identifier

etd-1115102-090126

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The Baton Rouge fault is one of two faults (the other being Denham Spring-Scotlandville fault) that traverse the city of Baton Rouge and has long been thought to be active. Structural damages to buildings, streets and sidewalks near the fault have previously been attributed to movement of the fault. Although the presence of the fault has been known for nearly 60 years, previous investigations have failed to determine its rate of movement. This study was aimed at determining the rate of modern movement along the Baton Rouge fault. Using a precise geodetic leveling technique, the current elevations of NGS (National Geodetic Surveying) benchmarks near the fault were determined and the values obtained were compared to 1994 elevations of the benchmarks. The investigation has shown that the Baton Rouge fault is active at the present time with measurable vertical movements still occurring at the land surface. The results of the study have also indicated that the fault crosses the Mississippi River and is currently disrupting it.

Date

2002

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Roy K. Dokka

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.2546

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