USACE-DFI Working Group on Seepage Control-PPT Presentation

PPT Presentation

Pdf Summary

The presentation reviews collaboration between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) to improve seepage-control measures for dams and levees. Following concerns about the cost of cutoff walls at high-risk USACE dams, the agencies began working together in 2010, including development of USACE guidance on seepage-control cutoff systems. Their work addresses modifications to existing embankment dams, with the principle of “do no harm” emphasized.<br /><br />USACE-DFI workshops in 2011 and 2016 brought together government agencies, contractors, consultants, and researchers to discuss cutoff technologies, design, construction management, quality assurance and quality control, testing, acceptance criteria, and long-term performance. Unresolved issues from those workshops informed a 2023 workshop, which aimed to strengthen collaboration, improve technical specifications, identify research needs, reduce project claims, and prioritize safety.<br /><br />The 2023 workshop produced topics for continued work, including subcontractor participation in prime-contractor meetings, wall verticality, acceptance criteria for low-strength materials, data requirements and telemetry, and 28-day acceptance criteria for soil mixing. A 2024 mini-workshop revisited deep-mixing specifications and planned future working-group activities.<br /><br />The presentation identifies progress in promoting safety and risk reduction, improving construction verification and digital data management, developing consistent quality practices, reducing claims, and building trust between government and industry. Priorities going forward include maintaining open dialogue, supporting mutual understanding, developing guide specifications, and reviewing project specifications before bidding.

Keywords

USACE

DFI

seepage control

cutoff walls

dams

levees

quality assurance

soil mixing

workshop collaboration

risk reduction