Inspections of Embankment Dams: Difference between revisions
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Cross-sectional diagram depicting possible areas of concern within an embankment dam ([https://damfailures.org/lessons-learned/regular-operation-maintenane-and-inspection-of-dams-is-important-to-the-early-detection-and-prevention-of-dam-failure/ DamFailures.org]) | Cross-sectional diagram depicting possible areas of concern within an embankment dam | ||
(Image Source: [https://damfailures.org/lessons-learned/regular-operation-maintenane-and-inspection-of-dams-is-important-to-the-early-detection-and-prevention-of-dam-failure/ DamFailures.org]) | |||
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As with any other structure, dams require regular [[inspections]] to identify and prevent any damage or deterioration of its many components. The regularity with which a dam may require inspection depends on the jurisdiction of any regulatory agencies as well as the hazard potential classification of the dam. | As with any other structure, dams require regular [[inspections]] to identify and prevent any damage or deterioration of its many components. The regularity with which a dam may require inspection depends on the jurisdiction of any regulatory agencies as well as the [[Hazard Potential Classification|hazard potential classification]] of the dam. | ||
Inspections can range from those required by dam safety agencies, those required by the owner and other stakeholders, as well as general observations recorded by operations and maintenance staff. Observations from inspections help build a performance history of the dam spanning different seasons and consecutive water years against which future observations can be compared to identify any changing conditions. | Inspections can range from those required by dam safety agencies, those required by the [[owner]] and other stakeholders, as well as general observations recorded by operations and maintenance staff. Observations from inspections help build a performance history of the dam spanning different seasons and consecutive water years against which future observations can be compared to identify any changing conditions. | ||
“As the term ‘periodic inspection’ implies, evaluation of the safety of a dam and its appurtenant works is a never-ending process. While detailed onetime investigations that involve [[drilling]], testing, and analysis are important and can provide much information that is necessary to help assess dam adequacy, they cannot be wholly conclusive by themselves, nor are the conclusions drawn necessarily valid for all time. As noted above, ensuring that one knows everything [[about]] an existing structure and its foundation is never possible; therefore, observation and evaluation of continuing performance are essential to help close the gaps in this knowledge”. <ref name="NRCS Inspections">[[Guide for Safety Evaluation and Periodic Inspection of Existing Dams (EM 7570) | EM 7570 Guide for Safety Evaluation and Periodic Inspection of Existing Dams, NRCS, 1980]]</ref> | “As the term ‘periodic inspection’ implies, evaluation of the safety of a dam and its appurtenant works is a never-ending process. While detailed onetime investigations that involve [[drilling]], testing, and analysis are important and can provide much information that is necessary to help assess dam adequacy, they cannot be wholly conclusive by themselves, nor are the conclusions drawn necessarily valid for all time. As noted above, ensuring that one knows everything [[about]] an existing structure and its foundation is never possible; therefore, observation and evaluation of continuing performance are essential to help close the gaps in this knowledge”. <ref name="NRCS Inspections">[[Guide for Safety Evaluation and Periodic Inspection of Existing Dams (EM 7570) | EM 7570 Guide for Safety Evaluation and Periodic Inspection of Existing Dams, NRCS, 1980]]</ref> | ||
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“Furthermore, the condition of a dam or its foundation can change with time, due either to a natural ‘aging’ process or to the effects of such outside influences as earthquakes, long-term impoundment, or extreme weather variations. Again, observation and evaluation of continuing performance can provide the clues that something is taking place that requires further investigation and may require correction. Thus, field examinations, record reviews, the provision of additional data when required, and periodic reevaluation assume a paramount role in maintaining dam safety”.<ref name="NRCS Inspections" /> | “Furthermore, the condition of a dam or its foundation can change with time, due either to a natural ‘aging’ process or to the effects of such outside influences as earthquakes, long-term impoundment, or extreme weather variations. Again, observation and evaluation of continuing performance can provide the clues that something is taking place that requires further investigation and may require correction. Thus, field examinations, record reviews, the provision of additional data when required, and periodic reevaluation assume a paramount role in maintaining dam safety”.<ref name="NRCS Inspections" /> | ||
<noautolinks>==Best Practices Resources==</noautolinks> | |||
==Best Practices Resources== | |||
{{Document Icon}} [[Guide for Safety Evaluation and Periodic Inspection of Existing Dams (EM 7570)]] | {{Document Icon}} [[Guide for Safety Evaluation and Periodic Inspection of Existing Dams (EM 7570)]] | ||
==Trainings== | ==Trainings== | ||
{{Video Icon}} | {{Video Icon}} [[On-Demand Webinar: Quality Assurance and Field Inspection for Dam Construction Projects]] | ||
{{Video Icon}} [[On-Demand Webinar: Understanding and Managing Plant and Animal Intrusions in Embankment Dams and Levees – II]] | |||
{{Video Icon}} [[On-Demand Webinar: Introduction to Embankment Dams]] | |||
{{Video Icon}} [[On-Demand Webinar: Cracking and Hydraulic Fracturing in Embankment Dams and Levees]] | |||
{{Video Icon}} [[On-Demand Webinar: Understanding and Managing Plant & Animal Intrusions in Embankment Dams and Levees]] | |||
{{Video Icon}} [[On-Demand Webinar: Seepage Monitoring and Analysis of Embankment Dams]] | |||
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Latest revision as of 20:14, 18 July 2023
|
| Cross-sectional diagram depicting possible areas of concern within an embankment dam
(Image Source: DamFailures.org) |
As with any other structure, dams require regular inspections to identify and prevent any damage or deterioration of its many components. The regularity with which a dam may require inspection depends on the jurisdiction of any regulatory agencies as well as the hazard potential classification of the dam.
Inspections can range from those required by dam safety agencies, those required by the owner and other stakeholders, as well as general observations recorded by operations and maintenance staff. Observations from inspections help build a performance history of the dam spanning different seasons and consecutive water years against which future observations can be compared to identify any changing conditions.
“As the term ‘periodic inspection’ implies, evaluation of the safety of a dam and its appurtenant works is a never-ending process. While detailed onetime investigations that involve drilling, testing, and analysis are important and can provide much information that is necessary to help assess dam adequacy, they cannot be wholly conclusive by themselves, nor are the conclusions drawn necessarily valid for all time. As noted above, ensuring that one knows everything about an existing structure and its foundation is never possible; therefore, observation and evaluation of continuing performance are essential to help close the gaps in this knowledge”. [1]
“Furthermore, the condition of a dam or its foundation can change with time, due either to a natural ‘aging’ process or to the effects of such outside influences as earthquakes, long-term impoundment, or extreme weather variations. Again, observation and evaluation of continuing performance can provide the clues that something is taking place that requires further investigation and may require correction. Thus, field examinations, record reviews, the provision of additional data when required, and periodic reevaluation assume a paramount role in maintaining dam safety”.[1]
Best Practices Resources
Guide for Safety Evaluation and Periodic Inspection of Existing Dams (EM 7570)
Trainings
On-Demand Webinar: Quality Assurance and Field Inspection for Dam Construction Projects
On-Demand Webinar: Introduction to Embankment Dams
On-Demand Webinar: Cracking and Hydraulic Fracturing in Embankment Dams and Levees
On-Demand Webinar: Seepage Monitoring and Analysis of Embankment Dams
Citations:
Revision ID: 7291
Revision Date: 07/18/2023