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Certainly! Deformation surveys play a crucial role in monitoring the stability
and safety of dams. Let's delve into the details:
1. Purpose of Deformation Surveys:
○ Dam deformation refers to any changes in the shape, position,
or dimensions of a dam over time.
○ Monitoring dam deformations is essential to ensure the
structural integrity of the dam, prevent failures, and assess
potential risks.
○ Deformation surveys help detect and quantify movements such as
settlement, subsidence, tilting, and horizontal shifts.
2. Methods Used in Dam Deformation Monitoring:
○ Robotic Total Stations: These automated instruments
continuously measure the positions of specific points on the
dam's surface.
■ Horizontal Displacements: Robotic total stations provide
accurate horizontal displacement measurements.
■ Vertical Displacements: By combining measurements from
different points, vertical displacements can be estimated.
■ Accuracy: The accuracy of these measurements is crucial
for reliable deformation analysis.
○ GPS (Global Positioning System): GPS receivers track the
movement of specific points on the dam.
■ Horizontal and Vertical Displacements: GPS provides
both horizontal and vertical displacement data.
■ Large-Scale Monitoring: Suitable for large dams and wide
areas.
■ Limitations: GPS accuracy may be affected by atmospheric
conditions and satellite geometry.
○ Geodetic and Remote-Sensing Sensors: These include
inclinometers, strain gauges, and radar interferometry.
■ Inclinometers: Measure tilt or rotation of specific points.
■ Strain Gauges: Detect changes in strain or stress within the
dam structure.
■ Radar Interferometry: Satellite-based radar measures
surface displacements.
■ Temporal Resolution: Some methods provide continuous
monitoring, while others offer periodic data.
■ Local vs. General Level: These sensors can detect both
local and general deformations.
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3. Challenges and Considerations:
○ Atmospheric Refraction: Errors caused by atmospheric refraction
affect measurements. Correction methods are used to enhance
accuracy.
○ Reference Points: Choosing stable reference points is crucial for
accurate deformation analysis.
○ Data Collection Frequency: Regular monitoring ensures timely
detection of changes.
○ Integration with Structural Health Monitoring (SHM):
Combining deformation data with other structural health data
provides a comprehensive view.
In summary, deformation surveys using robotic total stations, GPS, and other
sensors allow engineers to track dam movements, assess risks, and take
necessary corrective actions to maintain dam safety and stability 1 2 3 4.

Source(s)
1. Accuracy analysis of dam deformation monitoring and correction ... - PLOS
2. Dam deformation measurements with GPS - Taylor & Francis Online
3. Water | Free Full-Text | A Data-Driven Dam Deformation ... - MDPI
4. Geodetic and Remote-Sensing Sensors for Dam Deformation Monitoring - MDPI
5. An adaptive identification method for outliers in dam deformation ...
6. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0251281
7. http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/
8. http://jyt.hubei.gov.cn/