For structures under the jurisdiction of the USBR, the design standards present clear and concise technical requirements and processes to enable design professionals to prepare design documents and reports necessary to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public.
The manual provides technical information on the field and laboratory investigations and construction control of soils used as foundations and materials for dams, canals, and many other types of structures built for reclamation projects in the United States of America.The appendix contains detailed procedures for sampling, classification, and field and laboratory testing of soils. Part 2 contains standard procedures for investigating and testing soil materials for engineering design, construction, and operation and maintenance of water resources structures.
This manual provides guidance on geotechnical/geological investigation requirements for miscellaneous nonhydraulic and hydraulic structures. The USBR encourages this manual to be used in partnership with the agencies larger design manuals.