Corvette Museum collapse - Image courtesy of Safety Fest

OAK RIDGE – Safety lessons and response actions related to the National Corvette Museum sinkhole is the topic at Safety Fest TN’s community safety forum. The forum will be held on April 25, 2018, 8:00 am – 10:00 am, at the Oak Ridge American Museum of Science and Energy.

On the morning of February 12, 2014, the display floor of the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, KY, collapsed from a sizeable sinkhole that suddenly developed under the museum. Eight treasured and unique corvettes were swallowed by the cavity.

Michael Marasa, senior geotechnical engineer with Hayward Baker, Inc., led the team that stabilized the area, assessed the short-term risk, evaluated procedures to safely remove the automobiles, and developed a plan for permanent repair. His team executed all of these tasks amidst worldwide attention and media chaos

Mr. Marasa’s presentation will include bits of geology, history, engineering, anecdotes, photos, comedy, lore, and an infatuation with America’s sports car.

In addition to Mr. Marasa, Ms. Shira McWaters, Public Works Director, City of Oak Ridge, will share a presentation about a sinkhole in an Oak Ridge neighborhood. She will give an overview of the Mona Lane sinkhole, the agencies involved in its stabilization and remediation, and the overall outcome.

Safety Fest TN hosts numerous events to benefit and educate the community throughout the year, which culminates with its annual conference in September. This year, its annual conference is scheduled September 11-14, 2018.