Monitoring for dams and reservoirs

The complete solution for monitoring of dams and their infrastructure

Dams and reservoirs are utilised for water supply, flood control, waste deposits and hydropower, hence they provide important economic and environmental benefits. Safe operation and maintenance of their infrastructure are critical to ensure the protection of people, property, and the environment in the areas surrounding them.

Deformation monitoring of these structures provides real-time information about movements therefore it enables informed decisions based on facts, allowing rapid and critical decisions to facilitate the highest safety and effective management of risk.

Total Monitoring is the combination of data from geodetic monitoring sensors (total stations, GNSS or levels) with geotechnical and environmental sensors (tilt sensors, inclinometers/IPI, piezometers, weather stations, etc.) and interferometric radar. It provides the complete picture about events occurring, aiding a greater understanding of instability and movements.

Why is monitoring essential on dams:

Seasonal variations like temperature and water level cause movements in dams and reservoirs. To manage such a dynamic structure and analyse the varying amounts of stress and strain deformation monitoring is essential. Ensure awareness and early detection of deformation for safe, continued operation. Automatically detect geometry changes, crack widening and deflection in walls using monitoring technologies.
Natural hazard impact from events such as earthquakes, landslides or storms may significantly affect or damage the dam, posing a severe safety risk. Therefore, an automated early warning system is essential to provide information about how these deform the structure via monitoring. This is critical to mitigate the risks from such hazards and take early corrective actions.
Avoiding extra dangers during maintenance when repairs and upgrades are being performed on a dam. Any activity introduced that can increase the risk of structural failure and cause movements or distortions needs to be constantly monitored and assessed. Collect and review real-time measurement data using deformation monitoring to streamline operations whilst minimising risk.
Monitoring the long-term structural health of a dam and its infrastructure which is susceptible to changes due to ageing. Ensure engineers have data to assess structural integrity over time, using data to detect early problems which if unmonitored could cause catastrophic failures.

This video provides helpful examples of monitoring installations on dams and reservoirs. It's important to keep in mind that each monitoring project is unique and requires a specifically tailored system. Our monitoring experts will be pleased to find the right solution for your infrastructure.

Case Studies