Pre-Analysis Communication Best Practices

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Purpose

This presents a framework for an engineer/modeler to communicate the process of hydrologic, hydraulic, seepage, and stability models to both a dam owner and regulatory agency. There are a variety of approaches and methodologies for these modeling efforts, and it is important to owners, consultants, and regulators that clear communication is integrated in the process. The purpose of this page is to guide communication among all interested parties prior to commencing a modeling effort.

Levels of Pre-Analysis Communication

The complexity and degree of pre-analysis communication will vary from project to project and exists on a spectrum as illustrated above. For simple modeling efforts, email correspondence or a brief proposal may be an adequate level of pre-analysis communication. For more complex or impactful efforts, all of these methods of communication may be needed to adequately plan the modeling effort. The following factors may influence the level of pre analysis communication on the spectrum:

• Hazard classification or potential downstream consequences of the dam to be modeled

• Modeling purpose (i.e., screening level study, rehabilitation design, risk assessment, hazard reclassification, emergency planning)

• Public interest or involvement in the project

• Technical complexity of the analysis

• Unknowns and data gaps in the analysis and potential for dam safety risks during data acquisition (e.g., bore holes through an embankment dam)

• Level of previous experience with the dam, owner, and/or regulator

• Importance of model in directing critical design decisions

• Level of experience / validation of the analysis method in standard practice

This spectrum should be considered when applying the following steps during the planning of future modeling efforts. Learn more about developing model work plans including considerations for specific model applications (e.g., hydrologic, seepage, consequence estimation).

Steps of Pre-Analysis Communication

1. Develop Project Understanding and Objectives
2. Develop Scope of Work
3. Obtain Concurrence from Regulatory Agency
4. Proceed with Modeling and Keep Communication Channels Open

Resources for Developing a Model Work Plan

Whether it consists of an email or a comprehensive proposal, a model work plan should address an understanding of the model objectives, project constraints, and overall approach. Additional items that should be considered when developing this plan are summarized on this page: Pre-Modeling Communication: Developing a Model Work Plan. This includes considerations for specific model applications.

Revision ID: 7961
Revision Date: 06/24/2024