Dam Safety Inspections South Africa:

New regulations to promote the safety of dams throughout South Africa were published by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry in 1986. These regulations place dams into three categories based on potential hazard and height classifications. All dams between the height of 12m and 30 m are classified as Category II and those over 30m in height Category III. Category II dams with a high hazard rating will also be classified as Category III.

These category classifications determine the qualifications and requirements for the Approved Professional Persons who are to carry out inspections. Category II dams may be inspected by a fully experienced professional engineer on his own while Category III dams require a professional team with specialists in geotechnical engineering, hydrology, embankment design and other appropriate expertise depending on the type of dam being evaluated.

HHO Africa Specialist personnel have carried out over 40 safety inspections to date covering both Category II and Category III dams and reservoirs. Where necessary other specialists can be brought in to assist the in-house team to meet the requirements of the legislation. Among the problems that have been dealt with are :

	Hydrological analysis and flood determination
	Spillway capacity evaluation
	Embankment stability analysis
	Concrete dam analysis
	Alkali-aggregate reaction evaluation
	Fynbos growth on embankments
	Dam leakage evaluation
	Evaluation of dam instrumentation data
	Mechanical and electrical equipment assessment
	Operation and Maintenance manuals

Arising out of these inspections HHO Africa have also been responsible for the design of remedial measures on several dams. These included :

	Upgrading of the spillway to meet new standards
	Repair of outlet pipes
	Embankment stability improvements
	Post tensioning proposals for a concrete dam
	Vegetation control measures

For further information or queries please contact roger@hho.co.za