COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course introduces guidelines of embankment 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 end 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 during routine inspections.

The content of this course is a workbook titled “Inspection of Embankment Dams” published by FEMA. Engineers, dam owners, dam safety officials and maintenance contractors will gain an understanding from this course of the areas to be inspected on an embankment dam according to FEMA recommended practices. Additionally, this course could be useful as a guide for training to an embankment dam inspection.

The date of creation of the course material is not shown. References to video cassette tapes seem to indicate the 1990’s. A short section (3 pages) on monitoring is limited to 1990’s technology. Otherwise, the basic principles of inspecting embankment dams remain unchanged and relevant. Ignore references to video material.

This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end and is intended to provide 5 hours of professional development.

Course Author: Federal Emergency Management Agency

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of this course, the student will have learned or been exposed to the following topics:

• Basic principles of inspecting embankment dams
• Characteristics and potential consequences of embankment dams
• The different types of embankment dams
• The principal features of an embankment dam and
• The functions of embankment dam features
• Procedures for inspecting the upstream slope of embankment dams
• Procedures for inspecting the downstream slope of embankment dam
• Procedures for inspecting the crest of embankment dams
• Procedures for inspecting the abutments of embankment dams
• Procedures for inspecting the downstream toe of embankment dams
• Procedures for inspecting the seepage collection drains of embankment dams
• Characteristics and potential consequences of seepage
• Characteristics and potential consequences of cracking
• Characteristics and potential consequences of instability
• Characteristics and potential consequences of sinkholes
• Characteristics and potential consequences of depressions
• Characteristics and potential consequences of inadequate maintenance

Course Video. Please review before completing course quiz: