Guidelines for Safety Inspection of Dams - Central Water Commission

Purpose
Chapter III
PHASE I INVESTIGATION
3.1 The primary purpose of the Phase I investigation programme is
to identify expeditiously those dams which may pose hazards to
human life or property.
Scope
3.2 The Phase I investigation will develop an assessment of the
general condition with respect to safety of the project based upon
available data and a visual inspection, determines any need for
emergency measures and conclude if additional studies,
investigation and analyses are necessary and warranted. A
review will be made of pertinent, existing and available
engineering data relative to the design, construction and
operation of the dam and appurtenant structures, including
electrical and mechanical operating equipment and measurement
from inspection and performance instruments and devices and a
detailed systematic visual inspection will be performed of those
features relating to the stability and operational adequacy of the
project. Based upon the findings of the review of engineering
data and the visual inspection, an evaluation will be made of the
general condition of the dam, including where possible the
assessment of the hydraulic and hydrologic capabilities and the
structural stability.
Engineering data
3.3 To the extent feasible the requisite engineering data listed in
Appendix I relating to the design, construction and operation of
the dam and appurtenant structures, should be collected from
existing records and reviewed to aid in evaluating the adequacy
of hydraulic and hydrologic capabilities and stability of the dam.
Where the necessary engineering data are not available,
inadequate or invalid, a listing should be made of these specific
additional data deemed necessary by the engineer in charge of
the investigation and included in the Phase I report.
Field inspections
3.4 The field inspection of the dam, appurtenant structures, reservoir
area and downstream channel in the vicinity of the dam should
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