The Falls

Title: Cross-section of the Apron Over the Falls
Type: Diagram
Date: 1883
Source: Colonel F.U. Farquhar

Description: Farquhar, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, created this cross-section of the dike and falls at St. Anthony.

Activities:

1. This is a "cross-section" diagram, meaning it shows a cutaway view so you can see the Falls better. What is your view of the Falls in this digram?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: You are looking at the Falls, the underlying rock, and the dike from the side. The water would flow from left to right.
2. The concrete dike at the Falls was designed to hold up the narrow limestone layer under the water. Why do you think this might be necessary?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: The limestone layer is not very thick and the sandstone underneath is a soft material. It would be easy for limestone to break and cause the Falls to collapse.
3. Why might it be so important for the engineers at the Falls to create a dike to protect it?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: If the Falls collapsed, there would not be waterpower for the factories and businesses in the area to use. The area below the Falls would also be likely to flood.
4. Since engineers were trying to protect the Falls, what role do you think the apron could have had in that effort?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: The apron covered the Falls and prevented crashing water from washingaway the sandstone layer underneath.