The Practical Use of Geophysics to Assess Dam and Levee Safety

The webinar consist of two sessions. Session 1 will be an overview of Geophysical methods applicable to dams and levees, how theory behind the methodologies, and the strengths and limitations of each method. This session will also cover what additional investigations, such as drilling, are necessary to calibrate the geophysical data in order to provide a holistic evaluation of the subsurface conditions and how these conditions can affect dam and levee safety.

Session 2 will be an in-depth case study of how a particular geophysical method, MASW (Multi-Channel Assessment of Surface Waves) was used to assess subsurface conditions and potential levee safety concerns for the East Coast Protection Levee System in South Florida. Each session will last 45-50 minutes with Q&A sessions to follow.

Speaker and Presenter Information

Rich Lee, P.G., is Principal Geophysicist and President of Quantum Geophysics, a division of Gannett Fleming, Inc. With more than 34 years as a practicing geophysicist, Rich has worked closely with engineers on a variety of projects that include roads, dams, levees, tunnels, railroads, bridges, quarries, mines, rivers, lakes, and harbors. Rich has conducted geophysical surveys throughout the lower 48 states, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.

Scott Burch, P.E., is the Southeast Dams & Hydraulics Practice Leader for Gannett Fleming. Scott is a 26-year veteran with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where he served as the Geotechnical Branch Chief and the Deputy Chief of Engineering. Since joining Gannett Fleming, Scott is responsible for overseeing all water resources projects in the Southeastern United States including numerous dam and levee projects. Scott is also one of the company’s thought leaders in the Geotechnical, Dams, and Hydraulics practice and has served as a technical expert on several large water resource projects throughout the United States and Central America.

Relevant Government Agencies

Army, Dept of Agriculture, Dept of Energy, Dept of Homeland Security, Dept of the Interior, Other Federal Agencies, State Government, County Government, City Government, Municipal Government, FEMA, Federal Government, State & Local Government