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Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

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Chapter 9Inspection and Assessment of Conduit-RelatedProblemsInspection of embankment dams, including their conduits and foundations, willdetect many developing problems before they can affect the safety and reliableoperation of the facility. Inspection should also assess the adequacy and quality ofmaintenance and operation procedures. Periodic inspection may reveal trends thatindicate more serious problems are developing. The conduit is typically inspected aspart of an overall inspection of the embankment dam and its appurtenant features.Typically, structural defects and deterioration develop progressively over time. Atrained and experienced inspector can identify defects and potential problems beforeexisting conditions in the embankment dam and conduit become serious. However,some situations can suddenly arise and cause serious damage in a short period oftime. Examples of these situations are operations at full discharge capacity, seismicactivity, or other special conditions. The need for special inspections should beevaluated after occurrence of any of these situations. The main focus of this chapteris on the inspection of conduits. However, reference is made to certain aspects ofembankment dam inspection, since they have relevance to problems associated withconduits.In 1986, 14 federal and State agencies developed a comprehensive training program(Training Aids for Dam Safety [TADS]) designed to train individuals involved with,or having responsibility for the safety of dams. The TADS program consists ofmodules that can be tailored to meet individual or organizational needs. The TADSprogram is widely used and recognized by the dam safety community. Furtherdetails on the TADS program are available from the Bureau of Reclamation.Additionally, training courses on dam safety inspection are available from varioussources. Interested parties should consult the ASDSO website for a listing ofavailable training opportunities. For information concerning inspection of penstockssee the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Guidelines for Evaluating AgingPenstocks (1995).193

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