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]
Types of Foundation Evaluations
The situations below are common issues examined through foundation evaluation:
Best Practices Resources
Rock Foundations (EM 1110-1-2908) (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
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)
Technical Release 210-60: Earth Dams and Reservoirs (Natural Resources Conservation Service)
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: 3727
Revision Date: 09/17/2022