FIELD TRIP

ICGSM FIELD TRIP – 11 JUNE 2026

Pueblo Dam – Bureau of Reclamation

The International Course on Geotechnical and Structural Monitoring has consistently shown that practical experience is essential for consolidating the skills acquired during training. Over the years, participants have benefited from unique learning opportunities, including access to exclusive natural laboratories and operational sites not usually open to the public.

For the 12th edition of the course, the Bureau of Reclamation is again supporting a technical visit to Pueblo Dam. The site offers an opportunity to observe geotechnical and structural monitoring applications in an operational environment, with a focus on both conventional instrumentation and remote sensing techniques.

During the visit, participants will explore embankment and structural instrumentation, crest monitoring points, interior gallery systems, and selected examples of automated data acquisition. The program will also include demonstrations and discussions on LiDAR, photogrammetry, InSAR, and related infrastructure monitoring approaches.

The field trip is scheduled for 11 June 2026.

Please note: the agenda may be subject to minor refinements depending on final operational coordination.

FIELD TRIP INFORMATION

  • The field trip is included in the ICGSM registration.
  • Transportation to and return from Golden are included.
  • Lunch is included.
🔐 Access Requirements

Access to the facility requires compliance with security procedures.

🇺🇸 U.S. Participants
  • A REAL ID–compliant U.S. driver’s license or identification card must be presented on site.
  • REAL ID–compliant cards display a star in the upper portion of the card.
🌍 International Participants
  • A PDF copy of the passport photo page must be submitted for security screening.
  • Deadline: 13 May 2026.
  • Password-protected PDFs are accepted.
  • The physical passport must be presented on the day of the tour.

⚠️ The ID submission is mandatory for access to the facility.

Detailed instructions will be emailed to all participants.

🦺 PPE Requirements

PPE requirements will be shared by email and can be reviewed here:

Safety Guidance for Tours (PDF)

PROGRAM

7:30 AM: Departure from Golden, CO.

Morning session: Arrival at Pueblo Dam and morning session.

Embankment Instrumentation Tour

  • Overview of embankment geology and its influence on instrumentation layout
  • Walk with stops at wells, drains, and key deformation and pressure monitoring points
  • Demonstration of inclinometer equipment (manual and automated systems)
  • General discussion of piezometers and data collection approaches

Crest Walk with LiDAR Demonstration Area

  • Short ascent to the crest with views of dam structure and monitoring locations
  • Walk past a LiDAR tent and associated equipment for a brief show-and-tell
  • Discussion of measurement points installed along the crest and parapet walls
  • Overview of dam operations, crest-level monitoring practices, and structural monitoring points

Dam Gallery Tour

  • Walkthrough of interior gallery areas
  • Overview of internal instrumentation such as jointmeters, uplift gauges, seepage, and drainage monitoring
  • Discussion of automated data acquisition systems and example outputs

Lunch: Lunch break.

Afternoon session:

Remote Sensing Data Collection Presentations & Discussion

  • Presentation and comparison of infrastructure monitoring techniques including LiDAR, photogrammetry, InSAR, and others
  • Overview of example datasets and typical monitoring applications

Departure: Return trip from Pueblo Dam.

Expected arrival in Golden: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM (traffic dependent).

Bureau of Reclamation Logo

MORE INFO

We are working to provide an outstanding experience during the 12th International Course on Geotechnical and Structural Monitoring.

If you need more information about the course or the field trip, or if you have any questions, please contact us at info@geotechnicalmonitoring.com.

Contact us