Foundation Evaluation
According to the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO), the five most likely causes of dam failures are: overtopping, foundation defects, cracking, inadequate maintenance and upkeep, and piping.[1] In order to prevent a dam failure, a properly designed foundation is essential.
“The earth embankment and its foundation must be stable and withstand all anticipated loads without movements leading to failure. Provide measures for adequate seepage control under all anticipated loads.” [2]
"The purpose of conducting an investigation of foundation and earth materials is to obtain information about these materials for use in analysis, design, construction, and performance monitoring of a structure. The detail of the investigation should be commensurate with the magnitude and type of structure involved, the study being undertaken, and the stage of the project. On all dam projects, the watertightness of the foundations, the suitability of the foundations for the dam and appurtenant structures, and the construction material sources are important geological and engineering considerations."[3]
Types of Foundation Evaluations
The situations below are common issues examined through foundation evaluation:
Best Practices Resources
Technical Release 210-60: Earth Dams and Reservoirs, NRCS, 2019
Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 15: Foundation Grouting), USBR, 2014
Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 16: Cutoff Walls), 2014
Rock Foundations (EM 1110-1-2908), USACE, 1994
Trainings
On-Demand Webinar: Foundation Cutoff Walls for Dams and Levees
On-Demand Webinar: Foundation Preparation and Treatment for Dam Construction
On-Demand Webinar: Introduction to Grouting for Dams
Citations:
Revision ID: 6072
Revision Date: 12/19/2022