Adama Science &Technology University

(ASTU)

Chapter Six
Instrumentation, Monitoring and Surveillance
Course Name: Dam Engineering
Course Code: RWE 732

Dr. Bizuneh Asfaw Abebe.

2017/2018A.Y
Instrumentation

Design of dam is not a state-of-the-art proposition. It is based on a number of

assumptions which need to be tested for their soundness, and of course, safety
of the dam.

Following design, the dam safety needs to be assured during construction, on

commissioning, and thereafter during operation throughout the life of the dam.

Instrumentation consists of the various electrical and mechanical

instruments or systems used to measure pressure, flow, movement, stress,

strain, and temperature.
Cont’d…

Monitoring is the collection, reduction, presentation, and evaluation of the

instrumentation data.

Instrumentation and monitoring are tools that must be used with a vigilant

inspection program to continually evaluate the safety of dams.

Widespread attention is now being given to the installation of more expensive

instrumentation for study of the behavior of dams and reservoirs and fore-
casting of any adverse trends.—Jansen (1980: 25)
The common causes of concrete dam failures and incidents are:

overtopping from inadequate spillway capacity or spillway blockage

resulting in erosion of the foundation at the toe of the dam or washout

of an abutment or adjacent embankment structure;

foundation leakage and piping in pervious strata, soluble lenses, and

rock discontinuities; and

sliding along weak discontinuities in foundations.

The principal causes of embankment dam failures and incidents are:

overtopping from inadequate spillway capacity, spillway blockage, or

excessive settlement resulting in erosion of the embankment;

erosion of embankments from failure of spillways, failure or deformation

of outlet conduits causing leakage and piping, and failure of riprap;

embankment leakage and piping along outlet conduits, abutment inter

faces, contacts with concrete structures, or concentrated piping in the

embankment itself;

foundation leakage and piping in pervious strata, soluble lenses, and rock

discontinuities;
Cont’d…

sliding of embankment slopes due to overly steep slopes, seepage forces,

rapid drawdown, or rainfall;

sliding along clay seams in foundations;

cracking due to differential settlements; and

liquefaction.

The purpose of instrumentation and monitoring is to maintain and

improve dam safety by providing information to

evaluate whether a dam is performing as expected and

warn of changes that could endanger the safety of a dam.

Philosophy of Instrumentation and Monitoring

Instrumentation and monitoring must be carefully planned and executed to meet
defined objectives. Every instrument in a dam should have a specific purpose.

Instrumentation for long-term monitoring should be rugged and easy to maintain and
should be capable of being verified or calibrated.
Instrumentation typically provides data to:

characterize site conditions before construction;

verify design and analysis assumptions;

evaluate behavior during construction, first filling, and operation of the structure;

evaluate performance of specific design features;

observe performance of known geological and structural anomalies; and

evaluate performance with respect to potential site-specific failure modes.


Instrumentation
There are three main reasons for monitoring the performance of embankments and their foundations:

1. To observe the performance for safety reasons,

2. To compare the actual performance with that predicted by designer,

3. To improve our knowledge of the behavior of dams in general.

 Provision of monitoring instruments is an accepted practice in all dams of any magnitude.

 To provide an indication of the validity of design assumptions,

 To determine an initial datum pattern of performance against which subsequent observations can be

assessed.

 A basic level of instrumentation is frequently installed to monitor existing dams.

 Instruments may be installed to provide a measure of reassurance

 They serve to detect significant and abnormal deviations in long-term behavior of the dam

Instrument Types and Usage

A wide variety of devices and procedures are used to monitor dams. The features

of dams and dam sites most often monitored by instruments include:

 movements (horizontal, vertical,

 water quality
 rotational and lateral)
 temperature
 pore pressure and uplift
 crack and joint size
pressures
 seismic activity
 water level and flow
 weather and precipitation
 seepage flow
 stress and strain
Observations

Observations by you, the dam owner , or your representative may be the
most important and effective means of monitoring the performance of a
dam.

An inspector, upon each visit to the dam site, should inspect it visually at
a minimum, walking along the dam alignment and looking for any signs of
distress or unusual conditions.
Movements

Movements occur in every dam. They are caused by stresses induced by
 reservoir water pressure,
 unstable slopes (low shearing strength),
 low foundation shearing strength,
 settlement (compressibility of foundation and dam materials),
 thrust due to arching,
 expansion resulting from temperature change, and
 heave resulting from hydrostatic uplift pressures.

They can be categorized by direction:

 Horizontal or translational movement
 Vertical movement
 Rotational movement

 Lateral movement

Horizontal or translational movement

commonly occurs in an upstream downstream direction in both
embankment and concrete dams. It involves the movement of an entire
dam mass relative to its abutments or foundation.

In an embankment dam, instruments commonly used for monitoring such
movement include:
 extensometers, including multi-point extensometers

 inclinometers

 embankment measuring points

 shear strips

 structural measuring points

 •time-domain reflectometry (TDR)

Cont’d…

For a concrete dam or concrete spillway, instruments for monitoring
horizontal movements may include:
 crack measuring devices
 extensometers, including multi-point extensometers
 inclinometers
 structural measuring points
 tape gauges
 strain meters
 plumb lines
 foundation-deformation gauges
 tilt meters
 2D or 3D joint-movement indicators
 electro-level beams
 a GPS monitoring system
Vertical movement

is commonly a result of consolidation of embankment or foundation materials resulting in settlement of
the dam.

Another cause is heave (particularly at the toe of a dam) caused by hydrostatic uplift pressures.

In an embankment dam, vertical movements may be monitored by:
 settlement plates and sensors
 extensometers
 embankment survey monuments
 structural measuring points
 inclinometer casing measurements

In a concrete dam or concrete spillway, vertical movement monitoring devices may

include:
 settlement sensors
 extensometers
 a GPS monitoring system
 structural measuring points
 foundation-deformation gauges
Rotational movement

is commonly a result of high reservoir water pressure in combination with
low shearing strength in an embankment or foundation; it may occur in
either component of a dam.

This kind of movement may be measured in either embankment or concrete
dams by instruments such as:
 extensometers
 inclinometers
 tilt meters
 surface measurement points
 crack-measurement devices
 electro-level beam sensors
 foundation-deformation gauges
 plumb lines (concrete only)
 Lateral movement

(parallel with the crest of a dam) is common in concrete arch and gravity dams. The structure of an
arch dam causes reservoir water pressure to be translated into a horizontal thrust against each
abutment.

Gravity dams also exhibit some lateral movement because of expansion and contraction due to
temperature changes. These movements may be detected by:
 structural measurement points
 tilt meters
 extensometers
 crack-measurement devices
 plumb lines
 strain meters
 stress meters
 inclinometers
 joint meters
 load cells
Pore Pressure and Uplift Pressure

Pore pressure in an embankment dam, a dam foundation, or an abutment reduces
that component’s shear strength. In addition, excess water, if not effectively
channeled by drains or filters, can result in progressive internal erosion (piping) and
failure. Pore pressures can be monitored with the following equipment.
 piezometers
 electrical
 open well
 pneumatic
 hydraulic
 porous tube
 slotted pipe
 pressure meters and gauges
 load cells

Pore-pressure measurements and monitoring can supply critical information
regarding the overall stability of an embankment dam following a major earthquake.
Water Level and Flow

For most dams, it is important to monitor the water level in the reservoir

and the downstream pool regularly to determine the quantity of water in

the reservoir and its level relative to the regular outlet works and the
emergency spillway.

Water levels may be measured by simple elevation gauges—either staff

gauges or numbers painted on permanent, fixed structures in the

reservoir or by complex devices that sense water levels.
Seepage Flow

Seepage must be monitored on a regular basis to determine if it is increasing,

decreasing, or remaining constant as the reservoir level fluctuates. A flow rate

changing relative to a reservoir water level can be

an indication of a clogged drain, piping or internal cracking of the embankment.

Seepage may be measured using the following devices and methods:

 Weirs (any shape such as V-notch, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc.)
 Flumes (such as a Parshall flume)
 Pipe methods
 Timed-bucket methods
 Flow meters
Water Quality

Seepage comes into contact with various minerals in the soil and rock in

and around the dam, which can cause two problems: the chemical
dissolution of a natural rock such as limestone and the internal erosion of
soil.

Dissolution of minerals can often be detected by comparing chemical

analyses
Temperature

The internal temperature of concrete dams is commonly measured both during and after construction.

During construction, the heat of hydration of freshly placed concrete can create high stresses which

can result in cracking later.

After construction is completed and a dam is in operation, very significant temperature differentials

are not uncommon, depending on the season.

Temperature measurements are important both to determine causes of movement due to expansion or

contraction and to compute actual movement.

Temperature may be measured using any of several different kinds of embedded thermometers or by

simultaneous temperature readings on devices such as stress and strain meters, which allow for
indirect measurement of the temperature of the mass.
Crack and Joint Size

Knowing the locations and widths of cracks and joints in concrete dams
and in concrete spillways and other concrete appurtenances of
embankment dams is important because of the potential for seepage
through those openings.

It is even more important to know if the width of such openings is
increasing or decreasing.

Various measuring devices are available for cracks and joints, most
allowing very accurate measurement.

Some use simple tape or dial gauges; others, complex electronics.
Seismic Activity

Seismic measuring devices record the intensity and duration of large-scale earth

movements such as earthquakes.

Seismic instruments can also be used to monitor any blasting conducted near a dam

site.

Weather

Monitoring the weather at a dam site can provide valuable information about both

day-to-day performance and developing problems.

A rain gauge, thermometer, and wind gauge can be easily purchased, installed,

maintained, and monitored at a dam site.

Stress and Strain

Measurements to determine stress and strain are common in concrete
dams and, to a lesser extent, in embankment dams.

The monitoring devices previously listed for measuring dam movements,
crack and joint size, and temperature are also appropriate for measuring
stress and strain.

Monitoring for stress and strain permits very early detection of
movement.
Automated Data-Acquisition Systems

An automated data-acquisition system (or ADAS) can range from a simple data

logger temporarily connected to one or more instruments to a permanent

system that automates up to several hundred instruments at a dam.

Generally, an ADAS for dam-safety monitoring includes the following key

components:
 one or more electronic sensors (for water levels, displacements, etc.)

 a remote data logger (permanent or portable)

 a communication link to the dam for remote access (cell phone, landline, radio, or

satellite)
 In existing dams instruments may also be required to record specific parameters of behavior in response to an

acknowledged or suspected design deficiencies or behavioral problem.

The primary function of instrumentation may be for:

1. Construction control: verification of critical design parameters with immediate looped feedback to

design and construction,

2. Post-construction performance: validation of design; determination of initial or datum behavioral

pattern.

3. Service performance/surveillance: reassurance of structural adequacy; detection of regressive

change in established behavioral pattern; investigation of identified or suspected problems.

4. Research/development: academic research; equipment proving and development.

There are possible overlap between certain of the functional classifications.


Parameters in monitoring dam behavior

The most significant parameters are:

1. Seepage and leakage (quantity, nature, location & source);

2. Settlement and loss of freeboard in embankments (magnitude, rate);

3. External and internal deformation (magnitude, rate, location);

4. Pore water pressures and uplift (magnitude, variation);

5. Internal stress or pressure (magnitude).

Certain key parameters are of primary concern regardless of the type of dam, e.g. seepage and external

movement or deflection; others are relevant to a specific type of dam, e.g. pore water pressures in relation to
earthfill embankments.

Instruments: Design Principles

Monitoring instruments are required to function satisfactorily under very harsh environmental conditions and for

essentially indeterminate periods of time, possibly several decades.


It is desirable that instruments be

1. As simple in concept as is consistent with their function,

2. Robust and reliable,

3. Durable under adverse environmental and operating conditions, and

4. Acceptable for “through-life” cost (i.e. the sum of purchase, installation, support & monitoring costs).

Types of instruments: Design & operating principles(see pp. 752 - 758, handout)

Instrumentation Planning

The planning and specification of a comprehensive suite of instruments involves a logical sequence of decisions:

1. Definition of purpose and objectives;

2. Definition of observations appropriate to the dam considered;

3. Determination of the locations and numbers of measuring points for the desired operation;

4. Consideration of the time period to be spanned, I.e. long- or short-term monitoring;

5. Consideration of the optimum sensing mode in relation to the desired rapidity of response, required accuracy, etc;

6. Selection of hardware appropriate to the task as defined under 1 – 5.

 Step 3 is one of particular importance and sensitivity.

 Instruments must cover known critical features of the dam, but also be placed at locations where ‘normal’

behavior may be anticipated.

 In the case of new dams, at least two sections should be instrumented, including the major section.

 It is good practice to draft an ideal layout in the first instance, and then to progressively eliminate the less

essential provisions until an adequate, balanced and affordable plan is determined.

 It is advisable to consider instrumentation programs in terms of the overall system required, i.e. instruments,

installation, commissioning, monitoring, and data management, and interpretation.

Data acquisition and management

 Logical planning of data acquisition and processing is essential if the purpose of an instrumentation program is to

fully realized.

 Unless observations are reliable and the information is interpreted quickly, the value of a program will be severely

diminished.

 Within the operating plan the frequency of monitoring should be determined on a rational basis, reflecting the

objectives and the individual parameters under scrutiny.

 Detailed prescription of periodicity is a question of common sense & engineering judgment

 An excess of data will prove burdensome & may confuse important issues;

 Too little information will raise more question than it resolves;

 Excessive complexity in a system, whether in terms of equipment or the operating skills required, similarly diminishes its

utility

 A balance is always required – and the system must remain sufficiently responsive & flexible

 The monitoring routine should provide for observations at the different seasons & with significant changes in retained water

level.

E.g.Table: Representative monitoring frequencies for embankments

Parameter Frequency

Water level Daily wherever possible

Seepage Daily or weekly

Piezometers Once or twice weekly (construction) to 3 to 6 monthly

(routine)
Settlement- Daily (suspected serious slip) to 3 to 6 monthly (routine)
deformation
Frequency of Monitoring

The frequency of instrument readings or making observations at a dam
depends on several factors including:
 the relative hazard to life and property it represents
 its height or overall size
 the relative quantity of water impounded
 the relative seismic risk at the site
 its age
 the frequency and amount of water level fluctuation in the reservoir

As a rule of thumb, simple visual observations should be made during each visit to the
dam and not less than monthly.

Daily or weekly readings should be made during the first filling, immediate readings
should be taken following a storm or earthquake, and significant seepage, movement,
and stress-strain readings should probably be made at least monthly.

Surveillance
 Dams all type require regular surveillance if they are to be maintained in a safe and operationally

efficient state

 Primary objectives of surveillance program is to minimize the possibilities of catastrophic failure of the

dam by the timely detection of the design inadequacies or regressive changes in behavior,

 It also assists in the scheduling of routine maintenance or, when necessary, of major remedial works.

 Surveillance embraces the regular and frequent observation and recording of all aspects of the service

performance of a dam and its reservoir,

 It includes:

 Routine observation and inspection

 The monitoring and assessment of seepage & instrumentation data

 The recording of all other relevant information, including hydrological records


For the purpose of describing necessary surveillance activities, many of which are interdependent, five critical

phases in the life cycle of a dam must be identified:

1. The design or pre-construction phase

2. The construction phase

3. The period of first reservoir filling – when the impact of hydraulic loading and reservoir-induced seepage
effects can be initially observed & assesses

4. The early operational period of the dam

5. The subsequent aging of the operating structure and its infrequent exposure to extremes of hydraulic
and external loading
 During During Initial First 2 years Next 5 years After 7 years
Type of Instrument Construction1 Filling of Operation of Operation of Operation
Recommended Readout
Plumblines and optical N/A weekly monthly quarterly
schedule plummets semi-annually

Inverted Plumblines weekly weekly monthly quarterly

semi-annually

Inclinometers weekly weekly monthly quarterly

semi-annually

Extensometers weekly weekly monthly quarterly

semi-annually

Joint meters weekly weekly biweekly quarterly

semi-annually

Triangulation N/A weekly monthly quarterly

semi-annually

Trilateration N/A weekly monthly quarterly

semi-annually

Strain meters weekly2 weekly monthly quarterly

semi-annually

"No-Stress" strain meters weekly2 weekly monthly quarterly

semi-annually

Stress meters weekly2 weekly monthly quarterly

semi-annually
Weirs, etc. N/A weekly weekly monthly quarterly

Open piezometers monthly monthly quarterly quarterly

semi-annually

Closed piezometers weekly3 weekly monthly quarterly

semi-annually
Uplift pressure gauges weekly weekly biweekly monthly quarterly
Thermometers weekly4 weekly monthly monthly quarterly

Plumblines: Plumblines and optical plummets measure bending, tilting, and deflections of concrete

structures. Conventional plumblines are suspended from the top of the structure and extend down to the
lowest readout gallery.

Inclinometer: Inclinometers are used to measure angles from vertical. They can be used both in the
concrete mass or extended into the foundation. Extending the inclinometer into the foundation can
provide information on a potential sliding plane being investigated.

Extensometers and Inclinometers: Extensometers and inclinometers should be installed into the
foundation as early in the construction as practical, preferably before concrete placement, to determine
deformations in the foundation due to construction activities. The location of the extensometers should
correspond to the arch elevations for the other instrumentation groups. The total length of the
extensometer should be between 25 and 50 percent of the height of the dam.

Joint meters: One or two joint meters are required in every other monolith joint at the mid height
elevation of alternate grout lifts.

Triangulation and trilateration targets: Targets should be placed at the crest and at one or more points on the

downstream face. The targets should correspond to the location of the plumblines.

Temperature: Thermometers should be installed at locations to verify the thermal gradient through the structure

and to obtain the temperature history of the concrete.

Stress/strain Clusters: Clusters of strain meters, "no-stress" strain meters, and stress meters should

be positioned along four or five arch elevations that correspond to arch elevations used in the design and
analysis.

Seepage: Initially, seepage through the joints and through the drains can be measured at two weirs, each

located to collect seepage through the drains along each abutment. Measurements of individual drains
should also be made on a regular basis. Additional seepage monitoring points can be added after the initial
reservoir filling, if the need arises.

Pressure: Three uplift pressure groups (standpipe or closed piezometer groups) should be located in a

similar manner as the plumblines. There should be at least four uplift pressure measuring points through
the thickness of the dam in each group with a spacing between points of no more than 30 feet.