Monitoring Dam Performance

Prepared by the Task Committee on Instrumentation and Monitoring Dam Performance of the Hydropower Committee of the Energy Division of ASCE. This report is a handy and comprehensive source of information for dam owners, engineers, and regulators about instrumentation and measurements for monitoring performance of all types of dams. It presents the methodology and process for the selection, measurement instruments and techniques, installation, operation, maintenance, use, and evaluation of instrumentation and measurement systems for dams, appurtenant structures, their foundations, and environment. Topics include: factors affecting dam performance, means and methods of monitoring dam performance, planning and implementation of a monitoring program, data evaluation and reporting, and decision making. Case histories of instrumentation and monitoring programs at specific dams are provided for the reader. Product Review "I highly recommend this comprehensive reference on instrumentation used to evaluate dam performance. All owners, engineers, and regulators of dams should own a copy of this book." ?Fred Sage, Field Branch Chief, California Division of Safety of Dams

"MOP 135 provides practical information on the process of using instrumented monitoring to determine how well a dam is performing."--

Written for dam owners, engineers, and regulators, this guidebook provides information about instrumentation and measurements for monitoring performance of all types of dams. It discusses the committee's methodology and process for selection, measurement instruments and techniques, installation, ope

MOP 135 provides practical information on the process of using instrumented monitoring to determine how well a dam is performing.

During the life of a dam, changes in safety standards, legislation and land use will inevitably occur, and functional deterioration may also appear. To meet these challenges, these Proceedings from a panel of international experts assess, define and re-evaluate the design criteria for the construction of dams and the many attendant issues in on-going maintenance and management. Authors include international specialists: academics, professionals and those in local government, utilities and suppliers. Practitioners from these same fields will find the book a useful tool in acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of managing and retrofitting dams, so that they can continue to meet society's needs.

Dams are part of human achievements that induce great benefits for society but also bear a potential risk to people, property and the natural environment. The risk of a dam rupture is extremely low and diffi cult to quantify accurately. The aim of ‘Dam surveillance’ (ICOLD Bulletin 158), is to help reduce these risks by early detection of an undesirable event. The objective of dam surveillance is to make a precise and timely diagnosis of the behavior of dams, in order to prevent undesirable consequences. Both the monitoring system and surveillance program has to be designed and should be able to detect any abnormal behaviour. ‘Dam surveillance’ (ICOLD Bulletin 158), emphasizes the following aspects: • Routine visual inspection • Special inspection • Checking and testing of Hydro-electromechanical equipment • Monitoring parameters and devices • Automation • Maintenance of ageing monitoring systems • Re-instrumentation of existing dams • Recent developments • Data management • Dam documentation management • Assessment of dam condition and behaviour • Assessment of routine dam safety monitoring programme • Prioritization of maintenance, remedial and upgrading works.