ASDSO Dam Safety Toolbox

On-Demand Webinar: Drilling Plans and Hazard Evaluations for Dams and Levees

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Association of State Dam Safety Officials, 2021



Drilling into, in close proximity to, or through dams, levees, and their foundations may pose significant risk to the structures. Damage created by hydraulic fracturing and other means during the drilling process (use of inappropriate drilling methods), improper in-situ sampling techniques, and/or unacceptable methods of completing (backfilling) borings can open seepage paths that could create conditions conducive to internal erosion (piping) and ultimately dam failure. This webinar will provide an overview of existing guidance for drilling in and near embankment dams and their foundations. Of special emphasis will be the identification and assessment of drilling hazards for the prevention of damage to the embankment, structures, and their foundations from hydraulic fracturing, heave, erosion, filter/drain contamination, or other mechanisms during drilling-related activities. The webinar will also describe the typical requirements of a site drilling plan for any exploration drilling, instrument installation, or remediation drilling (including grouting) work to occur on an embankment dam, in proximity of the dam in which the drilling methods could pose a risk to the dam, or the dam’s foundation and abutment.

Key Take-aways:

  • Drilling activities can cause damage to embankments and their foundations.
  • Drilling and exploration methods can create potential hazards for embankments and foundations. Identification and evaluation of potential drilling hazards.
  • How to develop plans to mitigate, manage, or avoid the risks from drilling hazards.
  • Site drilling plans should be prepared and reviewed that address the potential hazards and risks from drilling activities.


Access Training Here

Speaker(s): Douglas Boyer


Revision ID: 2326
Revision Date: 08/19/2022