INSPECTION AND ASSESSMENT OF DAMS
May 8-10, 2013 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Seattle Airport Hotel, Seattle, WA.
This technical seminar is being presented in conjunction with the 2013 ASDSO West Regional Conference. The class is limited to the first 60 individuals who register. It typically fills very quickly, so be sure to sign up early to assure a space.
To Register: Attendees can register to attend the West Regional Conference on May 6-7 in combination with the Inspection and Assessment Seminar, or can register for either event separately. See more info on the 2013 Regional Conference, OR go directly to on-line registration for the Inspection & Assessment seminar. (credit card payments only).
View Seminar Agenda or Instructor Bios.
Course Objectives: This seminar provides comprehensive instruction in inspection and evaluation techniques for dams. Although the content has been tailored to focus on NRCS dams emphasizing NRCS policies and requirements, the principles, concepts and procedures taught will be readily adaptable to any organization conducting dam inspections and evaluating their compliance with current design standards. The target audience is NRCS personnel and state dam safety officials, however, dam owners, engineers and personnel responsible for the operation and maintenance of dams will find the course relevant. Participants will be familiarized with a variety of dam types and their appurtenances, instructed in the function of typical dam features, and become aware of common dam failure modes and the conditions that can led to these failure modes. Actual dam failure cases will be presented so that participants will grasp the seriousness and responsibilities associated with performing dam inspections, and know what to look for and be able to identify potential deficiencies at dams before they become a problem.
Acceptable standards for the condition and operation and maintenance of dams will be presented. The importance of reviewing pertinent records, conducting visual examinations, and monitoring instrumentation will be emphasized. Participants will be introduced to specialized inspection techniques, including confined space entry, conduit inspections using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and underwater diving inspection. The seminar includes a day-long visit to two local dams to practice inspection techniques, observe a conduit inspection using an ROV, observe the proper operation of water control gates, and collect dam instrumentation readings. The field tour will be held on Friday, May 10 and will include stops at the Howard Hanson Dam and the Lake Tapps Dike #15.
There are no specific education or experience prerequisites for this course, although some knowledge/experience in dam safety would be beneficial.
Course Materials: Course materials will be produced on DVD. The Workshop DVD will include copies of the presentation slides, plus several helpful references including:
• FEMA Technical Manual for Dam Owners – Impacts of Plants on Earthen Dams
• FEMA Technical Manual - Conduits Through Embankment Dams, Best Practices for Design, Construction, Problem Identification and Evaluation, Inspection, Maintenance, Renovation, and Repair
• Owner and dam safety references
• Internet URLs for sites where additional information can be found.
Attendees interested in participating in the visit to local NRCS dams to practice inspection techniques should bring appropriate outdoor apparel.
Professional Development Hours: Up to 24 PDHs are available for attending this three-day course. Each attendee will receive a form on which to record contact hours for continuing education credit.
Registration Fees: The regular registration fee for all attendees is $400 per attendee. A late fee of $25 applies to registrations received after April 19. Registration fees include all course materials, coffee breaks, as well as lunch and transportation for the field trip.
Provision of Services for Sensory Impaired Attendees: ASDSO will provide services to sensory impaired persons attending the seminar if requested at least five days prior to the date of the seminar. Please contact Susan Sorrell at ASDSO (859) 257-5146 for more information.
Overnight Accommodations: Please call the DoubleTree at 206-246-8600 to make your guestroom reservation. Request the DoubleTree Hotel on International Blvd. and the ASDSO Group Code: ASW in order to receive the discounted group rate of $145 plus tax per night, single or double occupancy. Call before the cut-off date of April 17 to assure availability.
See hotel info at: http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/washington/doubletree-by-hilton-hotel-seattle-airport-CTAC-DT/index.html
Attendee Profile: Attendees will receive a brief profile questionnaire before the meeting. Please complete and return it to ASDSO, as your participation in this survey will help us efficiently tailor the seminar to the needs of the attendees.