A
dam’s instrumentation furnishes data for determining if the structure is
functioning as intended and continuing surveillance to warn of any unsafe developments.
Monitoring physical phenomena that can lead to a dam failure may draw on a wide
spectrum of instruments and procedures ranging from very simple to very complex.
Any program of dam safety instrumentation must involve proper design consistent
with other project components. The program must be based on prevailing
geotechnical conditions at the dam, and must include consideration of the
hydrologic and hydraulic factors present before and after the project is in operation.
Instrumentation designed for monitoring potential deficiencies at existing dams
must take into account the threat to life and property that the dam presents.
Thus, the extent and nature of the instrumentation depends not only on the complexity
of the dam and the size of the reservoir, but also on the potential for deaths
and property losses downstream.
The
objective of dam instrumentation and surveillance is to make a timely and
precise diagnosis of dam behavior that allows for the prevention of undesirable
consequences. The monitoring system and surveillance programs have to be
designed or redesigned considering potential failure modes associated with the
higher levels of risk. They should be able to identify any abnormal behavior
which could lead to potential reduction of safety.
- Teacher: Elias Gebeyehu