Development of a monitoring system to Cabril dam with

operational modal analysis

P. Mendes
Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
C. Oliveira Costa, J. Almeida Garrett & S. Oliveira
Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil, Lisbon, Portugal

ABSTRACT: The new monitoring systems for large concrete dams must allow the characteriza-
tion, in real time, of the dynamic behaviour under seismic loads, operational loads (turbines and
discharge organs) and the ambient loads (local traffic, meteorological conditions, works around
the area, etc.). Concrete Dams Department and Instrumentation Scientific Centre of LNEC, with
the financial support of the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology, is now develop-
ing a monitoring system for Cabril dam. In this work some experimental results of ambient and
forced vibration tests are presented. The experimental data is compared with numerical results
obtained from 3D hybrid finite/discrete elements models. Finally the main characteristics of a
future dynamic monitoring system for Cabril dam will be summarized and discussed, taking
into account the experimental data from vibration tests.

1 INTRODUCTION

The experimental dynamic behaviour characterization of concrete dams has been performed us-
ing: i) forced vibration tests; and ii) ambient vibration tests.
The social and economical importance of large dams associated to the increase of the safety
requirements and the recent technological development of the equipments for the vibration
measurement and acquisition, demands for the development of new monitoring systems de-
signed for the real-time dynamic behaviour evaluation. With these systems it is intended to:
• Complement the actual monitoring systems of concrete dams with equipment that allow
the characterization in real-time of the dynamic response of these structures along its life
(the continuous characterization for static loads were been, on the most of cases, the main
objective of the installed monitoring systems);
• Obtain experimental results that allow an adequate dynamic parameter identification of
dam-foundation-reservoir system submitted to dynamic operational loads characterized
usually by low magnitudes, that it is essential to the development and calibration of nu-
merical models for dynamic prediction analysis;
• Check the dynamic response of large concrete dams under seismic loads with high magni-
tudes, in order to obtain data for the calibration of numerical models to simulate the dy-
namic behaviour of these structures (see Figure 1), involving non linear phenomena as
joint movements or local ruptures (tension/compression);
• Obtain experimental results that allow a better characterization of eventual deterioration
phenomena based on the hypothesis that these phenomena could induce structural
changes on the modal parameters (natural frequencies, mode shapes and modal damping)
[Oliveira et al. 2004].
 In this paper the main characteristics of a continuous dynamic monitoring system are pre-
sented. This system, presently under development in LNEC (with the support of FCT) will be
pioneering installed on Cabril dam (the largest Portuguese dam – 132 m of maximum height –
with more than 50 years) [PRNC 2002]. With this system it will be possible to identify changes
on the dynamic parameters of the dam along the time. Changes on dynamic parameters are as-
sociated not only to water level variations but could be also correlated with structural changes
(due to accidental loads, as strong earthquakes, or deterioration processes along the time – e.g.
deterioration associated with the development of concrete swelling) what means that the identi-
fication of these changes may be interesting for the structural safety control. The information
obtained with these monitoring systems could be used to develop and calibrate numerical mod-
els for the simulation of structural dynamic dam behaviour, namely under seismic loads.
Dam body Reservoir
Vertical blocks Level changes

Foundation
Rock

Figure 1: Dynamic behaviour of dam-foundation-reservoir systems: experimental data and numerical

models.

2 CABRIL DAM

In this section the main characteristics of Cabril dam will be described, the numerical and the
experimental results obtained until now will be presented and compared.

2.1 Dam description

Cabril dam is a double curvature arch dam founded on a granitic rock mass. It presents an ap-
proximately symmetric geometry in plan and has the particularity of having a higher thickness
zone at the crest level between abutments (Figure 2). The central cross-section has a 20.2m
thickness at the base, and a 4.5m minimum thickness at level 290m, at the transition with the
crest zone, from which the width increases linearly until 8.3m at maximum level (297m), as
shows Figure 2.
The dam was built on the Zêzere River between September 1952 and December 1953. The
first filling began early 1954, and lasted about two years.
(m)
IID ID A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V IE IIE 297
290

270

250

230

210

190

170

Figure 2: Downstream elevation and cross-section of the central cantilever.

 In the initial stage of operation, a significant horizontal crack was detected in the downstream
face (mainly close to the construction joints), in a section located between 10m and 20m below
the crest. In 1981, after the analysis of the structural behaviour, and of complementary observa-
tion of the foundation, as well as after tests on materials and simulation by physical and mathe-
matical models to determine the reasons for cracking, a decision was made to carry out repair
works. These rehabilitation works consisted of treatment of the foundation, grouting of retrac-
tion joints and treatment of cracks with resin grouting, after characterisation of the correspond-
ing openings and depths. With the refilling of the reservoir, it was observed that the dam
cracked again in the same zone.

2.2 Numerical models

In this work the results of two different numerical models developed to evaluate the dynamic
behaviour of Cabril dam will be presented [Lemos et al. 2007]. The first numerical model is
based on the assumption of continuity and the material behaviour is assumed elastic linear. The
second one takes into account the opening/closuring movements of the vertical joints. Next fig-
ure shows the mesh used in the development of the two numerical models above-mentioned. In
both case we only consider the dam body, without foundation.

Ec = 32.5 GPa
(ultrasonic tests)
ν = 0.2

Figure 3: Mesh used for numerical model of Cabril dam body.

Figure 4 shows the first four mode shapes obtained from the first referred numerical model.

1st mode 2nd mode

3rd mode 4th mode

Figure 4: First four mode shapes. Continuous model with elastic-linear material behaviour.

Next figure shows the first natural frequency obtained for different water levels using the two
mentioned numerical models. It can be seen the decrease of the first natural frequency in the
model with joints, for lower water levels, due to stiffness decrease (joints opening) and a de-
crease of the first natural frequency for higher water levels due to the mass increase (added wa-
ter masses effect).
 Figure 5: Variation of the first natural frequency.

2.3 Experimental results

Recently, three ambient vibration tests were carried out on Cabril dam (see Table 1), in order to
obtain experimental data to characterize the dynamic behaviour. Different modal identification
techniques [Brincker et al. 2000, Peeters 2000, Rodrigues 2004] were used for the analysis of
the experimental results [Mendes 2005].

Table 1. Vibration tests carried out on Cabril dam.

Test Date Reservoir level (m)
Forced vibration 1981 (during rehabilitation) 196.0
Forced vibration Nov. 1996 263.5
Ambient vibration Feb. 2002 267.0
Ambient vibration May 2003 290.0
Ambient vibration Oct. 2003 269.0
These experimental results were useful to calibrate the numerical models used on the dy-
namic behaviour studies of the dam. However these results are not enough to understand some
issues related to the dynamic response of the complex system dam-foundation-reservoir, namely
it is difficult, up to now, to understand the reservoir effect: mass and/or damping contribution.
These kinds of issues can only be understood with new experimental data obtained from dy-
namic continuous monitoring systems, based on the ambient vibration technology.
4
Amplitude (mg)

-2

-4
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
t(s)
Figure 6: Acceleration data collected on ambient vibration test (February 2002) with turbines turned on
(turned off at the very end).

These tests are also carried out in order to found the adequate design criteria for the develop-
ment of a dynamic continuous monitoring system that we intend to install in Cabril dam – pre-
sented in the section 3. Figure 7 shows an average of the normalized singular values of spectral
density matrices of all data sets collected on the ambient vibration test performed in Cabril dam
on February 2002 (turbines turned on).
 During the analysis of these experimental results it was verified that it is necessary to collect
a sufficient amount of data in order to have a good frequency resolution particularly because the
1st and 2nd mode shapes have closed frequencies (see figure 7).
Because of the low magnitudes measured with the turbines turned off, it is recommendable
the use of high sampling frequencies in order to enhance the relation signal/noise.

Harmonic mode (turbines)

Figure 7: Average of the normalized singular values of spectral density matrices on February 2002 test
with turbines turned on.

Next figure shows the first four mode shapes identified using the FDD technique.
1st mode 2nd mode

3rd mode 4th mode

Figure 8: Experimental mode shapes.

2.4 Results comparison

The numerical and experimental results obtained until now are presented in Figure 9. The nu-
merical model with joints confirm the main tendencies obtained from the experimental results
but are not enough to clarify all the effects related with joint movements and the mass effect
specially for higher water levels. In order to obtain more experimental data [Proulx et al. 2001]
a dynamic monitoring system is under development at LNEC, the main features of this system
will be presented in the next section.
 Figure 9: Comparison between numerical and experimental results for the first frequency.

3 DYNAMIC MONITORING SYSTEM

In the monitoring system design it must be taken into account that we intent to collect data, con-
tinuously, with high sampling frequency rates (≈1000 Hz/channel) using 31 channels.
The collected data will be transferred by a network to a computer programmed for the auto-
matic analysis of the collected data in order to compute the evolution of the main dynamic pa-
rameters that are recorded in order to build an archive with the dynamic history of the dam.
Generally data will be discarded with exception of some predefined periodic measurements (e.g.
30 minutes records daily) and all the special events (e.g. seismic), that will be recorded for pos-
terior analysis.
The configuration of data acquisition system is designed in order to reduce the interference of
external electromagnetic noise; the accelerometers acquisition channels (analog signals) are
placed near the transducers. The digitalized data is transferred by RS-485 to some units (e.Gate)
with local memory that can record and manage data in accordance with a central computer that
receives the pre-processed data, by Ethernet network.
The data transmission from different channels associated to each e.Gate must be processed in
a rhythm such that, in average terms, the collected data is transferred to the computer without
ever exceed the local storage limits of the e.Gate units. The data from different channels that
converge to an e.Gate (by RS-485 nets) are “packed” by this concentrator unit in order that all
data collected is sent to the computer with a heading that identifies the instant of the respective
time acquisition.
Each e.Gate assures the local synchronism of the acquisition devices (e.bloxx) that are con-
nected to it by RS-485 nets. The synchronism guarantee between different e.Gates must be as-
sured by a signal of general synchronism that is distributed by the computer and that implies the
existence of an independent way specifically devoted for this objective.
The data that are arriving at the computer by Ethernet, from different e.Gate units, are re-
ceived in an asynchronous form and, by the character of the communication process, do not
have any guarantee that the received packages from several e.Gates respect the time sequence
that the data was collected. This problem is solved by the fact the data sent by the e.Gates were
time dated; this allows the computer to allocate them and to create coherent time series from
chronological point of view for all the data received from different places.
To assure permanent acquisition rhythms around the 1000 Hz for channel demands special
cares by the side of e.Gate units. Thus, these concentrators make use of 4 independent RS-485
nets for who are distributed the local transport loads of information: acquisition unit → e.Gate.
This load distribution is the base condition that allows e.Gate units to keep the flow of data pro-
ceeding from the acquisition at that rhythm.
The problems that derive from electromagnetic disturbances in the power net, many times as-
sociated with atmospheric activity (lightning strikes), are normally a source of anomalies in col-
lected signals and, in some cases, can damage the measurement equipment. These problems had
been considered and its inconveniences had been limited by two sources: each e.Gate unit and
acquisition devices associated (e.bloxx), located in a geographically little dispersed zone, are lo-
cally powered by an uninterruptible power supply unit protected against surge voltages and able
to keep the power, for some hours, in case of public power supply interruption; by other side,
the e.Gates are galvanically protected using an optical fibber net support for the interconnection
(Ethernet).

Fibre Optic e.bloxx

Ethernet Switch

e.Gate

AC/DC Voltage
Converter (PSU)
Isolation
Transformer

Figure 10: Equipment in a box to install in Cabril dam.

Optical fibber

I II
e.Gate e.Gate

e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx

ES-U2 ES-U2 ES-U2 ES-U2 LVDT ES-U2 ES-T ES-U2 ES-U2 ES-U2 ES-U2
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

ethernet (TCP/IP)

III IV
e.Gate e.Gate
RS485

e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx e.bloxx

ES-T ES-U2 ES-U2 ES-U2 LVDT ES-U2 EXT. ES-U2 ES-U2 ES-U2 ES-T
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

LNEC
Control center
(dam)

Analysis
EDP centers Internet e.Gate
e.bloxx
Data concentrator and comunication gateway
General purpose measuring module
ES-U2 Unixial accelerometer (Episensor - force balance)
ES-T Triaxial accelerometer (Episensor - force balance)
LVDT Displacements measurement
EXT. Extensometer

Optical-electric-optical signal conversor

Figure 11: Design of monitoring system for Cabril dam.

 IID ID A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V IE IIE
1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10 11
5 7
I II
12 13 14 15 17 19 20 21 22
16 18
III IV

Figure 12: Monitoring system on Cabril dam.

4 CONCLUSIONS

This work shows the interest of the arch dams dynamic monitoring, in order to achieve data for
a complete characterization of the dynamic dams behaviour, namely for different water levels
from empty to full reservoir. This experimental dam characterization is fundamental for the de-
velopment of reliable numerical models for safety control under current and exceptional seismic
loads.
The main characteristics of a pioneer system under development at LNEC were presented.
This system was specifically designed to the Cabril dam dynamic monitoring. The main design
difficulties were referred, namely the need of acquisitions with high sampling frequencies rates
in a many number of channels, during relatively long periods to obtain a good frequency resolu-
tion.
With this system it is intended to observe the dynamic behaviour of Cabril dam under ambi-
ent loads, operational loads associated with discharges and exploration activities and for seismic
loads.

5 AKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We want to tanks FCT (Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology) by her financial
support.

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