Pre-Analysis Communication Best Practices
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.
Steps of Pre-Analysis Communication
- Develop Project Understanding and Objectives
- Develop Scope of Work
- Obtain Concurrence from Regulatory Agency
- Proceed with Modeling and Keep Communication Channels Open
See additional guidance on Developing Model Work Plans including considerations for specific model applications (e.g., hydrologic, seepage, slope stability).
Revision ID: 7957
Revision Date: 06/24/2024