GSE Dinner Presentation: Embankment Dam Filters: Current Practice in Design
About this Event
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Woodvale Community League 4540 50 Street NW,
Edmonton AB T6L 6B6
Parking: Available on site
Format: Registration 5:00 PM; Dinner 6:00 PM, Presentation 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Ticket Pricing:
● Students: $15
● CGS/GSE Members: $30
● Non-GSE Members: $40
Presentation Topic: Embankment Dam Filters: Current Practice in Design and Evaluation
Presentation Abstract:
Filters retain particles from the dam core and other erodible embankment or foundation soils while allowing seepage to pass safely, thereby limiting the progression of internal erosion and piping in embankment dams. This presentation introduces current state-of-practice filter design principles, including soil-filter compatibility criteria for retention and permeability, filter internal stability, segregation, placement, and quality control. It explains how particle-size distribution, compaction, and construction practices influence filter performance, and how laboratory testing can evaluate both soil retention under concentrated-leakage conditions, including flow through cracks or defects, and the internal stability of the filter material. A case study evaluating processed petroleum coke as an alternative to conventional filter sand demonstrates how an unfamiliar material can be assessed where suitable natural resources are limited. Although based on an oil sands mining dam, the approach is also applicable to water embankment dams, levees, retaining structures, transportation embankments, and erosion-protection works.
Presenter: Pathma Wedage, Ph.D., P.Eng. Senior Technical Director at WSP
Presenter Bio:
Dr. Pathma Wedage is a Senior Technical Director in Geotechnical Engineering at WSP (formerly AMEC and Wood), with more than 35 years of consulting and research experience. Since joining AMEC in 2000, she has played a key role in major oil sands projects, specializing in mine engineering, mine waste management, and the design and performance review of tailings storage facilities. In her current role, she also provides senior technical review of geotechnical designs prepared by other members of her team. Her technical expertise encompasses geotechnical site characterization, laboratory testing, numerical modelling, slope stability assessment and remediation, seepage control and drainage design, instrumentation and monitoring, and the engineering of mine pit walls, dams, earth structures, mine facilities, and foundations.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 15.00 to CAD 40.00
