[SF Republican]

seal some serious cracks in the dam wall - can an engineer help out here? can something with "some serious cracks" even be repaired?

[Vigilanteman]

Obviously, it would depend on how serious the cracks are. However, my gut feeling is that repairs would just buy a little time.

Google "Teton Dam failure" and "Idaho" for a case study on a much smaller scale.

Best bet would be to draw down the water behind the dam just as quickly as is safely possible before an assessment can even be made as to just how serious the cracks may be.

[Cementjungle]

seal some serious cracks in the dam wall - can an engineer help out here? can something with "some serious cracks" even be repaired?

Lots of crazy glue.

[redstateconfidential]

Nope, drain and repair.
“Concrete Replacement: Concrete replacement is required when one-half to one square foot areas or larger extend entirely through the concrete sections or where the depth of damaged concrete exceeds 6 inches. When this occurs, normal concrete placement methods should be used. Repair will be more effective if tied in with existing reinforcing steel (rebar). This type of repair will require the assistance of a professional engineer experienced in concrete construction.”
Notice the last line, foo’ed indeed.