Seismic Design and Analysis of Embankment Dams: The State of Practice

Date:  Feb. 23, 2009
Time:  4:00 p.m.
Place:  1122 Shelby Center

William F. Marcuson
National Academy of Engineering

Biography

Marcuson received his bachelor's degree from the Citadel, his master's degree from Michigan State University and his doctorate from North Carolina State University, all in civil engineering. He joined the staff of the Waterways Experiment Station in 1970, where his research focused on soil behavior related to geotechnical problems, seismic design and analysis of embankment dams, and seismically-induced liquefaction of soils. He served as director of the Geotechnical Laboratory from 1981 until his retirement in 2000, where he was responsible for research and development in soil mechanics, engineering geology, rock mechanics, earthquake engineering, geophysics, military pavements and Army mobility.

Marcuson is a consultant on geotechnical problems and projects, especially those involving seismic remediation, ground improvement and dam safety, to numerous organizations, both nationally and internationally. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Mississippi and South Carolina, a Chartered Engineer in the United Kingdom, and a Fellow and Honorary Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He served ASCE on the Board of Direction from 1989 to 1992 and as vice president from 1998 to 2000.

Abstract

Seismic Design and Analysis of Embankment Dams: The State of Practice
As indicated by the title, he will be presenting an overview of current practices in this area. Earth embankment dams are fundamental part of much of our infrastructure, including reservoirs for drinking water, canals for navigation or levees for flood protection.  Embankment dams must be properly designed to resist earthquake ground motions to prevent catastrophic flooding of populated areas after an earthquake.