Lessons Learned from Usace Seepage Barrier Wall Construction: Wolf Creek To Present

Abstract

AbstractThe U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) maintains a lessons-learned goal for all major projects to capture knowledge gained. The focus of the formal lessons-learned process is to share knowledge and experience nationwide improving USACE contracting methodologies, reducing overall costs, and improving designs. This continuous improvement can be seen in the evolution of USACE barrier wall construction designs and contracting methods. From the first Wolf Creek Dam barrier wall installed in the 1970s to the more recent Bolivar and East Branch Dam barrier wall projects, documentation and sharing of lessons learned in areas such as grouting, data management, and quality assurance procedures have increased the efficiency and effectiveness of barrier wall designs, monitoring, and contract specifications. Contractual philosophy, use of pre-grouting treatment, verification methods, and data management processes have all changed due to lessons learned and have enabled the USACE to improve the overall end product of barrier wall projects.