Foundation Evaluation

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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. 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.”

Types of Foundation Evaluations

The situations below are common issues examined through foundation evaluation:

• Underseepage
• Settlement
• Stability

Best Practices Resources

Rock Foundations (EM 1110-1-2908) (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 12: Foundation and Earth Materials Investigation) (Bureau of Reclamation)

Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 15: Foundation Grouting) (Bureau of Reclamation)

Design Standards No. 13: Embankment Dams (Ch. 16: Cutoff Walls) (Bureau of Reclamation)

Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of Hydropower Projects: Chapter 4- Embankment Dams (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)

Technical Release 210-60: Earth Dams and Reservoirs (Natural Resources Conservation Service)

Trainings

On-Demand Webinar: Evaluation and Maintenance of Piezometers, Relief Wells, and Drains in Dams and Levees

On-Demand Webinar: Advances in Geologic Data Collection and 3D Geologic Modeling for Site Characterization and Safety Studies for Dams and Levees

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: 3727
Revision Date: 09/17/2022