Resource

On-Demand Webinar: Detecting, Monitoring, and Repairing Voids Beneath Spillway Slabs

Resource Type
ASDSO Webinars
Reference Title
On-Demand Webinar: Detecting, Monitoring, and Repairing Voids Beneath Spillway Slabs
Author/Presenter
Dressel, William
Maier, Patrick
Sporisky, Tyler
Organization/Agency
Association of State Dam Safety Officials
Year
2025
Date
08/12/2025
Abstract/Additional Information
This webinar will introduce lessons learned related to voids beneath spillway slabs. Case histories will be presented highlighting different detection, monitoring, and repair techniques. The development and subsequent evaluation of potential failure modes associated with voids beneath spillways will be presented along with a discussion of different interim risk reduction and long-term repair alternatives. Case histories will include the Bureau of Reclamation’s Hyrum Dam, Merritt Dam, and Vallecito Dam spillways. 
 
Key Takeaways: 
• Gain an awareness of Potential Failure Modes (PFMs) associated with voids underneath spillways and learn how to use analysis results to assess these PFMs.
• Become more familiar with different field exploration approaches and non-destructive techniques for detecting and monitoring voids using case histories to illustrate key principles.
• Recognize the advantages and limitations of various monitoring methods.
• Learn about the evaluation of different interim and long-term repair alternatives.
• Understand the complexity and coordination required when evaluating interim risk reduction measures.
• Broaden knowledge regarding the theory, application, and design of defensive measures.