Dam Construction Design Review Process

Dam Construction Design Review Process Information

The DNRC Dam Safety Program has developed procedures to guide a dam construction project smoothly through the permitting required by State law. This process is based on the concept of early communication between the dam owner, their engineer, and Dam Safety Program engineers.

Planning a Dam Construction Project - Permitting and the Design Review Process (Video - 25 minutes) Learn the basics in this video.

Technical Note 9 - Dam Design Review Procedures describes the design review process. Technical Note 9 also contains handy checklists that list actions and considerations for each stage of the process:

PRE-DESIGN MEETING PREP CHECKLIST ALTERNATIVES/FEASIBILITY EVALUATION CHECKLIST (10%) PRELIMINARY DESIGN EVALUATION PHASE CHECKLIST (30%)	DRAFT DESIGN EVALUATION PHASE (60%) FINAL DESIGN EVALUATION PHASE (90%) BID DOCUMENTATION/PERMIT ISSUANCE DESIGN EVALUATION PHASE (100%)

Learn More about Building a New Dam Learn More about Repairing an Existing Dam

Design Review Tools

New excel based checklists to assist the dam safety regulator review design reports, plans and specifications are now available. The checklists can be easily customized depending on the complexity of the project and unique circumstances. Although developed for dam safety regulatory agencies, design engineers will also find these tools to be of value.

Design Report Review Toolbox

This handy spreadsheet checklist provides guidance on what to look for when reviewing a design report.

Specifications Review Toolbox

Specifications - always a challenge to review and write, especially for dam construction projects. The tool was developed in Microsoft Excel and contains indexed worksheets that pertain to major parts of a dam construction project, including general requirements, earthwork, drainage pipe, concrete and water control. Each worksheet systematically reminds users of important things that need to be considered through a series of targeted questions. The Tool addresses the most commonly used dam construction topics.

Construction Drawings Toolbox

This spreadsheet aids the designers and reviewers in ensuring that all design /construction details are illustrated on the construction drawings.

Note: These excel checklists contain macros. Some computer systems will not allow download of files containing macros. If you have problems downloading these spreadsheets from the links above, please contact the Dam Safety Program and we will find an alternate means of providing you the spreadsheets.