Workshop: Understanding Internal Erosion Mechanisms and Pathways

Abstract Description: The conditions leading to mechanisms of seepage and internal erosion of earthen dams are reasonably well understood by experts who specialize in these topics. Ongoing research and experience with dam incidents are further increasing and refining that understanding. However, there remains an inconsistent level of understanding by practitioners on how to evaluate these mechanisms in a Potential Failure Mode (PFM) framework. With the ever-increasing demand for engineers fluent in risk assessments, this proposed one-day workshop is intended to offer an abbreviated introduction on the key concepts required to evaluate the various internal erosion mechanisms. The workshop has four main objectives: 1) provide high-level summary of internal erosion mechanisms, 2) provide guidance for constructing event tree descriptions melding the mechanism and pathway, 3) provide concise summaries of key technical considerations for evaluating each mechanism, and 4) practice implementing this guidance in small groups. The workshop will address common inconsistencies and challenges in developing event trees and organizing and assessing key factors. The small-group exercise will provide the workshop participants with the opportunity to practice developing PFM descriptions and key factors based on case history examples. After this workshop, participants will be better prepared to brainstorm, rapidly screen, and develop internal erosion PFMs. As an introductory course, the workshop will provide the foundation from which participants can build a more in-depth fluency on this detailed topic through more advanced training and experience.