This course will introduce the basic guidelines of dam inspection according to the FEMA. It is estimated that there are about 75,000 dams in the US, many of which are reaching the ends of their expected useful lives. With the inventory of aging dams, maintenance and inspection become more critical. At the same time, the useful life of a many new dams may be extended by regular maintenance of deficiencies which are discovered by proper inspections. The content of this course is a workbook titled “Inspection of Embankment Dams” published by FEMA. If you are new to dam safety inspection, the material presented in this course will provide important background information. The discussion of the inspection process is designed to provide the inspector with guidance for conducting a comprehensive inspection of a dam embankment. If you have experience with embankment dams, this course will provide a brief refresher on key terminology used in FEMA embankment dam inspection. Since terminology can differ from agency to agency, you may find it helpful to review this section to become familiar with how terms will be used in this module.

Learning Objectives

• The basic principles of inspecting embankment dams
• Describe the characteristics of embankment dams
• Describe the different types of embankment dams
• List the principal features of an embankment dam and
• Describe the functions of each feature
• Describe the procedures for inspecting the upstream slope of embankment dams
• Describe the procedures for inspecting the downstream slope of embankment dam
• Describe the procedures for inspecting the crest of embankment dams
• Describe the procedures for inspecting the abutments of embankment dams
• Describe the procedures for inspecting the downstream toe of embankment dams
• Describe the procedures for inspecting the seepage collection drains of embankment dams
• Identify and explain the characteristics of seepage
• Identify and explain the characteristics cracking
• Identify and explain the characteristics instability
• Identify and explain the characteristics sinkholes
• Identify and explain the characteristics depressions
• Identify and explain the characteristics inadequate maintenance
• Identify and explain the potential consequences of seepage
• Identify and explain the potential consequences cracking
• Identify and explain the potential consequences instability
• Identify and explain the potential consequences sinkholes
• Identify and explain the potential consequences depressions
• Identify and explain the potential consequences inadequate maintenance
• Explain what actions should be taken to protect the dam embankment