This webinar will present the results of 2D and 3D numerical evaluations of seepage conditions around a developing piping defect. An updated model similar to the first 3D numerical model performed at the University of Florida beginning in about 1980 (Townsend, 1981) will be presented to illustrate the importance of 3D influences on estimated seepage gradients, seepage flows and the evaluation of potential internal erosion potential failure mod...

Hydrologic hazard curves are critical flood loading inputs for dam and levee safety risk assessments. Over the past decade, some Federal agencies have developed and applied new tools and data sets to estimate hydrologic hazard curves, which are graphs of peak flows, volume, or reservoir stages versus Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP). Hydrologic hazard curves provide a full probability distribution for the flood hazard, covering the range of...

The webinar consist of two sessions. Session 1 will be an overview of Geophysical methods applicable to dams and levees, how theory behind the methodologies, and the strengths and limitations of each method. This session will also cover what additional investigations, such as drilling, are necessary to calibrate the geophysical data in order to provide a holistic evaluation of the subsurface conditions and how these conditions can affect dam a...

Cracks are likely to develop in most embankment dams and levees, and not just in those that are poorly constructed. This course will present some of the common conditions that can lead to adverse geostatic stress conditions, cracking, and hydraulic fracturing in embankments. Case histories are used to illustrate various crack-forming mechanisms and potential failure modes associated with embankment cracking. The need for caution when consideri...

Low-level conduits (pipes) through the base of a dam are the most common spillway for small earthen embankment structures. However, the discontinuity caused by the presence of the conduit creates numerous issues that must be addressed during the design and construction of the low-level pipe. This short course will present general design and construction related issues that dam engineers and owners should be aware of when considering a low-leve...

Understand Federal mitigation regulations and the process for addressing mitigation as part of the permitting of development projects. Most impacts to wetlands, streams and other waters (i.e., aquatic resources) occurring from development activities, like a road crossing or construction of a utility corridor, require permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with the oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Ty...

As dams deteriorate, or as their purpose and benefits diminish, there may come a time when the appropriate action is to decommission the dam. For some dams, this can be a very simple, rapid and inexpensive undertaking. For other dams, it can be a very complex and costly process, requiring years to accomplish. The purpose of this webinar is to provide an overview of recent trends in dam decommissioning in the United States with an emphasis on t...

Climate change presents a challenge to traditional water and utility engineering and planning practices because of an increase in the variability and uncertainty of future weather, water supply, and water quality conditions. This webinar will highlight findings from a recent survey and report of 18 U.S., British, Australian, and Canadian water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities about the emerging question of how climate risks and extreme we...

Learn how to identify and handle the more difficult aspects of storm water permitting and SWPPP development. In 1972, Congress enacted the Clean Water Act, which prohibits industries and other "point sources" from discharging pollutants into surface waters unless they obtain NPDES permits and comply with their provisions. Although in 1972 storm water was not regulated-it was considered the quintessential nonpoint source-by 1990 the act had bee...

In an increasingly volatile market with oil prices impacting liquidity across the world, industry experts are anticipating significant renovation of the project financing market. Now more than ever before it is of paramount importance that project owners and sponsors come together to share thoughts and ideas of how we can implement robust and lucrative financing structures and strategies. SMi is delighted to announce the return of their 3rd an...