When to Contact Professionals for Dam Repair and Inspection
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Posted On :
Jul-10-2013
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Article Word Count :
565
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Dam owners have a responsibility to regularly inspect their dams to make sure that they are in good condition. If a dam does break, it can lead to a lot of damage. This damage can affect more than the dam owner’s property.
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Dam owners have a responsibility to regularly inspect their dams to make sure that they are in good condition. If a dam does break, it can lead to a lot of damage. This damage can affect more than the dam owner’s property. It can also wreak havoc on neighboring properties downstream. To avoid facing this hazardous situation, dam owners can follow this guide to inspecting and maintain their dams.
When a Dam Needs to Be Inspected
At a bare minimum, dams need to be inspected at least once a year. Preferably, they will be inspected several times a year. Dams should be inspected both when the reservoir is full and when it is drained. Dams should also always be inspected when a flood is in progress to make sure that the dam is holding up well under the excess water flow. Also, dams in areas that are subject to earthquakes should be inspected as soon as possible after a tremor to see if dam repair is necessary.
Guide to Inspecting a Dam
The best dam inspections are as thorough as possible. This means inspecting every facet of the dam’s construction. A thorough inspection of a dam includes every face of the dam. This means inspecting the downstream face, upstream face, the crest, the toe and the abutments of the dam. It is also important to inspect the natural faces both above and below the dam. Inspectors also need to take a look at the spillway, the condition of the reservoir, the drains, the inflow areas, access to and security of the dam during a proper inspection.
Inspecting Earth Dams
Contrary to popular perception, most dams are not made of concrete. In fact, most dams are instead constructed from soil. These soil dams are naturally more prone to damage than the sturdier dams constructed of concrete. When inspecting a soil-based dam, there are many problems that should be looked for.
One of the most common signs of damage to an earth-based dam is erosion. This is something that will naturally occur over time with the flow of water. Another thing to look for when inspecting a soil dam is the presence of animal burrows. Many smaller rodents like to tunnel inside these earth dams, and their tunneling can weaken the overall structural force of the dam. Vegetation that grows its roots down into the dam can also cause the same problem.
Look for Excess Drainage
When inspecting the dam, one of the most important steps is to check for excess drainage. If there is seepage through the dam, then it needs to be noted. If the dam has developed excess drainage that is not in concordance with the water level in the reservoir, this is a warning sign of cracks in the dam. It is also important to take note of drainage that is excessively muddy, which is another warning sign of holes in an earth dam.
Concrete Dams
When inspecting a concrete dam, it is important to inspect all facets of the dam just like an earth dam. However, it is also very important to take note of cracks in the dam. Small cracks in a concrete dam are quite common. However, if cracks grow larger, it is important to call in an expert engineer to determine if dam repair is necessary.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_When to Contact Professionals for Dam Repair and Inspection_271617.aspx
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Author Resource :
The author has an immense knowledge on dam repair. Know more about dam repair related info in his website http://www.geo-solutions.com/what-we-do/technologies/grouting/soil-and-rock-grouting
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Keywords :
dam repair, geo-solutions.com,
Category :
Business
:
Business
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