Technical Manual: Conduits through Embankment Dams (FEMA 484)

Chapter 9—Inspection and Assessment of Conduit-Related ProblemsFigure 118.—Visual inspection for seepage on the downstream face of anembankment dam.dam reaching a new record reservoir elevation during a flood is also consideredto be in first fill status, necessitating heightened inspections. This is becauseportions of the embankment dam may have never received hydraulic loadinguntil the flood stage was entered.Following a major modification to an embankment dam, the dam may also beplaced in a first fill monitoring situation, if the modifications were extensive.For example, if an existing conduit were completely removed and replaced, thiswould likely require first fill monitoring status. Complete removal andreplacement of the conduit would require a section of the embankment to beexcavated and replaced. For guidance on the removal and replacement ofconduits, see chapter 13.• Periodic or intermediate.—Periodic or intermediate inspections are conductedbetween formal inspections. An in depth review is made of all pertinent dataavailable on the conduit to be inspected. However, the data review focuses onthe current status of the conduit, and the data are not evaluated relative tocurrent state-of-the-art criteria. A thorough onsite inspection of all features isconducted. All mechanical equipment may not be tested during any oneinspection. Some equipment may be operated at another time or during thenext inspection.• Routine.—Routine inspections are typically conducted by field or operatingpersonnel. The primary focus is on the current condition of the conduit.195