Topic outline

  • Design and Construction of Pressure Relief Wells

    Credits: 6 PDH

    PDH Course Description:

    The objective of this course is to provide guidance and information on the design, construction, and maintenance of pressure relief wells installed for the purpose of relieving subsurface hydrostatic pressures which may develop within the pervious foundations of dams, levees, and other hydraulic structures.

    All water retention structures are subject to seepage through their foundations and abutments. In many cases the seepage may result in excess hydrostatic pressures or uplift pressures beneath elements of the structure or landward strata. Relief wells are often installed to relieve these pressures which might otherwise endanger the safety of the structure.

    Relief wells, in essence, are nothing more than controlled artificial springs that reduce pressures to safe values and prevent the removal of soil via piping or internal erosion. The proper design, installation, and maintenance of relief wells are essential elements in assuring their effectiveness and the integrity of the protected structure.

    Topics:

    • Introduction to relief wells
    • Relief well applications
    • Basic Considerations, design, and installation
    • Analysis of single and multple well systems
    • Relief well outlets
    • Inspection, maintenance, and evaluation
    • malfunctioning of wells and reduction in efficiency
    • Well rehabilitation

    To take this course:

    1.) Enroll in Course: Click below to enroll:
    (must be logged into your user account)


    2.) Study: Once enrolled, click below to begin the course:

    Download the Study Guide

    3.) Test: Once you've thoroughly read the course materials, please click below to take the final examination.

    Take the final exam

    4.) Certificate: A passing grade of 70% or higher on the exam, is required to receive the certificate of completion for this PDH course.
         NOTE: After the exam is completed, you will need to return to this page, in order to print (download) the certificate of completion.

    Print the Certificate of Completion

    Intended Audience: This course is intended for Geotechnical, Civil, Environmental, Water Resources, and other engineers whose job description may require a comprehensive knowledge of relief well design, construction, and maintenance.
    Publication Source: US Corp of Engineers (Unified Facilities Criteria)

    Donald Parnell, PE

    • Topic 1