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Emergency Response Planning

Emergency Response Planning has become much more focused in the wake of the Hurricane Katrina disaster and other flooding around the country. In response to this increased awareness, Gannett Fleming has prepared Emergency Action Plans for more than 50 dams which have included hydrologic and hydraulic modeling of the watershed and reservoir, computer simulation of dam failure, mapping of flood inundation areas, planning for evacuation, and coordination with emergency management officials. The analytical work associated with the Emergency Action Plans begins with analysis of the inundation and flood routing that will result from a dam break or a storm surge. The routing of the flood wave is simulated using HEC-1, HEC-RAS, GEO-RAS, or DAMBRK. The plan describes the notification process, the required response of emergency response agencies, and evacuation measures for the affected residents and businesses.

Read how Gannett Fleming applied the LIFESim
Computer Model to the Hurricane Katrina
Disaster and produced award-winning results.

Gannett Fleming is knowledgeable of risk assessment methods, especially those in accordance with the US Army Corps of Engineers Engineering Manual. Recently, we performed a risk assessment on an 80-year old lock and dam structure for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The analysis consisted of modeling eight typical two-dimensional models for various individual lock and dam components. Reliability analyses were conducted through Monte Carlo simulation using the Excel add-in program @RISK. Recommendations for rehabilitation and cost estimates were prepared based upon the reliability evaluations.

Frequently, we are asked by clients to respond to dam emergencies that usually take the form of unacceptable seepage and evidence of slope instability. We are adept at quickly responding to client requests, making an assessment, and recommending emergency remedial action. Often, temporary measures are implemented using geotextiles and/or granular filters to stabilize seepage and boils and provide time for more permanent repairs.

• Application of LIFESim Computer Model