·         The student will have knowledge that the stability of dams and slopes must be evaluated utilizing pertinent geologic information and information regarding in situ engineering properties of soil and rock materials.

·         The student will have knowledge of geologic information and site characteristics that should be considered, including groundwater and seepage conditions; lithology, stratigraphy, and geologic details disclosed by borings and geologic interpretations; maximum past overburden at the site as deduced from geologic evidence; structure, including bedding, folding and faulting; alteration of materials by faulting; joints and joint systems; weathering; cementation; slickenslides; and field evidence relating to slides, earthquake activity, movement along existing faults, and tension jointing.

·         The student will have knowledge of establishing design (or loading) conditions to which the slope may be subjected during its life and performing analyses of stability for each of these conditions.

·         The student will have knowledge of required factors of safety for embankment dams based on USACE methods and procedures to ensure results consistent with successful past practice.  Appropriate stability conditions and factors of safety for the analysis of existing dam slopes will be discussed in addition to new construction.

·         The student will have knowledge of determining which method of analysis (computer program, charts, and hand calculations) should be selected, according to the complexity of the site or job and the data available to define the site conditions.  Additionally, the student will have knowledge of what data to include as part of slope stability presentation and analysis.