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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 9—Inspection and Assessment of Conduit-Related Problems• During operation of the conduit, additional items of concern include:1. Any unusual noises, such as popping, banging, or vibrations should beinvestigated. Vibrations may occur, if the conduit is not properlysupported. Vibrations could adversely affect the conduit and surroundingbackfill.2. Color changes or fines observed in the discharge water coming out of theconduit.3. Pulsating or unstable flow.4. Unexplained reductions in discharge capacity.9.5.2.2 Interior inspection.Typical problems within the interior of conduits include deterioration, obstructions,joint offsets and separations, defective joints, cracking, and mechanical equipmentmisoperation (figures 121 and 122).If the conduit is accessible, the inspector should use a measuring tape or pace off thelocations of all damaged or questionable areas within the conduit. Damage orquestionable areas should be documented using still, digital, or video cameraequipment. If the conduit is inaccessible, CCTV inspection equipment should beutilized.The interior inspection should look for:• Water ponding on the invert of the conduit, which could be an indication ofsettlement-related problems in certain reaches of the conduit, especially if theconduit as-built drawings show a constant invert slope.• The locations of cracks should be documented using a crack map or similarreporting method. Be aware of any previously reported cracks, and note anynew cracks. The length and width of the crack should be measured. To get anindication of the continuity of cracks <strong>through</strong> a concrete structure, use ageologist’s pick or similar hammer to tap the concrete and listen for changes ofpitch that give clues to the condition of the concrete. At some selected siteswhere accessible conduits are constructed on compressible or nonuniformfoundations, strain gauges, total stress cells, and crack meters have been used tomonitor changing conditions. For guidance on performing a crack survey, seeUSACE’s Evaluation and Repair of Concrete Structures (1995b, pp. 2-1 to 2-13). For209

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