CS3B - Concurrent Session 03B: Effective Communication of Your Computer Modeling Efforts– Seepage and Stability

This presentation will roll out results from yearlong work by the Dam Safety Toolbox Model Communication Study group to develop guidance for communication of computer modeling efforts to dam owners and regulators, specific to seepage and stability modeling. Phase I of the project focuses on information that should be determined and communicated in advance. Phase II of the project focuses on effective communication of modeling results. The guidance will be presented in a series of “fact sheets” developed for Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (MTDNRC) but will be available to the broader dam safety community on the Dam Safety Toolbox.

The first portion of this presentation will focus on Phase I. Phase I topics include:
• Model purpose (detailed)and justification
• General assumptions and modeling approach
• Software selection and limitations
• Material parameters – source of information & uncertainties that could impact results
• Phreatic and Potentiometric surfaces – source of information and uncertainties that could impact results.
• Steady state or transient (or phased approach)
• 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional (or phased approach)
• Piezometers used for calibration - detailed descriptions.
• Calibration approach
• Model verification
• Anticipated level of effort
• Possible outcomes / expected outcomes.

The second part of this presentation will focus on Phase II. Phase II will be completed in August 2024 and draft results will be provided to the Dam Safety Community for feedback during this presentation.

The last part of the presentation will be a geotechnical modeling focused structured question-and-answer session that will be used to refine Phase II fact sheets.