International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (IJEAS)

ISSN: 2394-3661, Volume-6, Issue-10, October 2019

Instrumentation And Monitoring Of Dams And

Reservoirs
Rajkumar Prasad, Mahabir Dixit

Abstract— Instrumentation and monitoring of dams and 2.1.1 Monitoring for assessment of safety
reservoirs as part of dam safety programs provide more absolute Although dams are constructed with great attention to detail
and appropriate information with regards to the on-going following careful survey, design, and construction stages, a
performance of the dam. Their performance during both number of serious dam accidents have occurred in the world.
construction and operation are aimed at safety of dams and It is therefore important to monitor the behavior of each dam
acquiring information to be used in progressing future design of
dams. Instrumentation and monitoring are necessary in both the
during subsequent operation of the reservoir to assess its
reservoir and the river basin, for normal operation and safety of safety on a continual basis.
dam. There are many cases of dam failures where early warning
signs of failure must have been discovered if a good dam 2.1.2 Monitoring for improvement of design procedures
safety-monitoring program had been in place. The use of and practice for future dams
instrumentation for dam safety concern is increasing as the Various assumptions regarding physical properties and
technology of instrumentation and ease of use advances. For this loading conditions are made when designing dams. It is
purpose use of proper instruments is thus very important therefore desirable to improve design procedures based on the
phenomenon, therefore we must know the various instruments measurement of deformation, stress, and other behavior. This
used to find different parameters. The paper presented is
oriented to study the instruments essential to successfully
type of measurement is carried out for selected dams.
implement a dam instrumentation program for dam safety.
2.2. Reservoirs and catchment areas
Index Terms— Assumptions, Dam, Design, Instruments, In contrast to the measurement and monitoring of dam bodies,
Monitoring, Planning, Reliability, Safety etc. those of reservoirs and catchment areas are conducted for the
purpose of appropriate operation and management of dams.
Items for observation and survey include reservoir level,
I. INTRODUCTION sedimentation, rainfall, water quality, and ecology.
For the safety and normal operation of a dam, precise
information is required from instrumentation and monitoring III. INSTRUMENTATION AND MONITORING FOR THE
ASSESSMENT OF DAM SAFETY
of dam’s body, the surrounding foundations, the reservoir and
the river basin. Their behavior during each stage of 3.1 Items of monitoring
investigation, design, construction and operation are very Items of monitoring for dam safety are selected according to
important information for engineering decisions. Different the scale and condition of each dam. Fundamental items are:
kinds of instrumentation and monitoring are required for the • Concrete dam: leakage, deformation, uplifts pressure,
different types of dam, reservoir and river basin. While earthquake motion, stress meters, strain gauges and
selecting instruments, the following requirements must be thermometers.
taken into considerations-
1. Precision is within the acceptable range; • Embankment dam: leakage, deformation, pore
2. Operation is easy pressure (seepage line), earthquake motion, earth
pressure gauges, piezometer, internal displacement
3. Durability is high, and
gauges.
4. Repair and replacement are possible.
3.2 Instrumentation Parameters
II. PURPOSE OF INSTRUMENTATION AND MONITORING The parameters to be measured, and the appropriate
instruments, are as follows:
After construction of dam, instrumentation and monitoring of
1. Seepage through the dam body and foundations
dams fall into two broad categories: instrumentation and
(quality as well as quantity): drainage holes, V-notch
monitoring of the dam body, and of the reservoir and the
weirs.
catchment area.
2. Internal Deformations of the slopes as well as
foundations
2.1. Dam body
a. Deformation (concrete dam): plumb lines,
Instrumentation and monitoring of dam bodies serves two
external targets.
purposes: assessment of dam safety, and improvement of
b. Deformation (embankment dam): differential
design procedures and practice for future dams.
settlement gauges, external targets.
3. Uplift pressure: Borden tubes, piezometers, Pore
Rajkumar Prasad, Scientist-B, Central Soil & Materials Research pressure: piezometers.
Station, New Delhi 4. Earthquake motion: strong motion seismographs.
Mahabir Dixit, Scientist E, Central Soil & Materials Research Station,
New Delhi

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 Instrumentation And Monitoring Of Dams And Reservoirs

5. Surface settlements: Along the dam length and ledges the rupture planes. Stress measurements, in this manner,
or berms. require significant judgment in interpretation. Accurate
6. Reservoir and tail water levels: Different type of measurement of stress is troublesome and distribution of
gauges differential- transformer-type, and stress in earth and rockfill dams is complex. Strains may be
vibrating-wire-type. calculated from displacements or measured straightforwardly.
4.5 DYNAMIC LOADS (EARTHQUAKES)
IV. TYPES OF MEASUREMENTS The investigation of the behavior of dams hit by seismic
There are various types of measurements for determining the tremors in past, clearly appears that these structures have high
performance as per aforesaid parameters. Details of some inherent capability to resist the seismic forces, provided they
them are as follows:- are well designed and built. IN nay case there are evidences
4.1 PORE PRESSURE too that outstandingly strong seismic tremors have produced
The measurement of pore water pressure takes a remarkable damages, in this way showing that the real seismic
very important role , which enables to know the seepage behavior of these structures is not yet fully understood, and
pattern set up after impounding of reservoir and also valuable subsequently a few advancement their design is still possible.
information about behaviour of dam during construction and These contemplations support and legitimize the concept that
draw-down condition is obtained. Under an externally applied it is prudent to introduce on these structures seismic
stress, soil grains are constrained into more intimate contact surveillance system. Seismic tremor causes sudden dynamic
and the soil mass volume decreases. Because soil grain loading and measurement of vibrations in dams located in
volume cannot be changed appreciably, this volume change areas subjected to seismicity are important for advancing
must take place primarily in the soil voids or pores. In the design criteria for such conditions.
event if these pores are fully filled with water, their volume 4.6 MEASUREMENTS OF RESERVOIR AND TAIL WATER LEVEL
cannot be altered unless some water is depleted from the soil Reservoir and tail water heads being one of the vital loading to
mass, because water is considered incompressible. If drainage which a dam is subjected, the measurement of reservoir and
is prevented or impeded, stress will create in the pore water tail water levels is basic for interpretation and reasonable
(i.e. pore water pressure) counter reacting the externally appraisal of the structural behaviour of the dam.
applied stress. Pore water pressures are a controlling factor on
stability during construction. 4.7 WAVE HEIGHT
Records of wave height data in conjunction with wind
4.2 MOVEMENTS/ DEFORMATION velocity and other relevant data assist in choosing free
Measurement of movements is as imperative as the board requirements more reasonably.
measurement of pore pressures. Movements conforming to 4.8 Rainfall
normal expectations are essentially pre-requisites of a stable This measurement is vital for interpretation of pore water
dam. An exact measurement of internal and external pressure and seepage advancement in earth dams.
movements is of esteem in controlling construction stability.
The measurement of the plastic deformation of the upstream V. PLANNING FOR GEOTECHNICAL INSTRUMENTATION
and downstream slopes under the cycles of reservoir
operation may indicate the likely development of shear failure An accurate determination of the wide variety, type, and
at weak points. vicinity of instruments required at a dam can best be
addressed effectively through combining enjoy, experience,
common feel, and intuition. Dam/ hydro projects represent
4.3 SEEPAGE precise situations and require individual solutions to their
Ceaseless movement of water through the soil of a structure instrumentation requirements. Therefore planning of an
may result in removal of soluble solids or may instrumentation machine have to be such that the specified
facts can be acquired both at some point of construction in
addition to at some point of the life of the venture.

5.1 Selection of Instruments

5.1.1 Reliability
Reliability is the most suited feature in the selection of
monitoring instruments. This is to ensure that reliable facts of
Fig. 1: Seepage flow through earth dam with no filter at the adequate accuracy can be obtained throughout the period
dam toe when the records is needed. Often there is a tendency for
looking unnecessarily high accuracy and when accuracy and
result in internal erosion called channeling. Channeling must
reliability are in conflict, excessive accuracy need to be
especially be protected against since it happens gradually and
sacrificed for excessive reliability. Excessive accuracy
is often not frequent until the structure’s failure is imminent.
frequently calls for immoderate delicacy and fragility.
Seepage and erosion along the lines of destitute compaction
Commonly the most reliable instrumentation devices are the
and through cracks in foundations and fills may
handiest devices. Where a desire exists, the less complicated
extraordinarily be shown by such measurements.
device is probable to have more fulfilment. The performance
4.4 STRAINS AND STRESSES file of commercially available instruments must be taken into
Design analysis of earth and rockfill dams are based on consideration.
radical simplifications of the stress pattern and the shape of

64 www.ijeas.org
 International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (IJEAS)
ISSN: 2394-3661, Volume-6, Issue-10, October 2019
5.1.2 Locations Settlement plates, cross-arm devices,
Locations for instruments need to be determined based on fluid leveling devices, pneumatic
predicted behavior of the site. The locations have to be Internal movement or settlement sensors, vibrating wire
compatible with the geotechnical issues and the method of deformation in settlement sensor, mechanical and
embankments electrical sounding devices,
analysis a way to be used when decoding the data. Figure
inclinometers, extensometers, shear
No 2 represents typical instrumentation layout showing strips
instruments for existing dam. A practical technique for Internal movement or Plumb lines, tiltmeters, inclinometers,
selecting instrument locations includes following: deformation in extensometers, joint meters, calibrated
(i) Pick out zones of particular concern such as concrete structures tapes
structurally weak areas that are most heavily Visual observation, precise surveys,
Foundation or
loaded, and locate suitable instrumentation, inclinometers, extensometers,
abutment movement
(ii) Choose zones that can be represented by typical cross piezometers
sections where expected behavior is considered Poor quality rock Visual observation, pressure and flow
representative of behavior as a whole, foundation or measurements, piezometers, precise
abutment surveys, extensometers, inclinometers
(iii) Pick out zones where there is discontinuity inside the Visual observation, precise surveys,
foundation or abutments, inclinometers, extensometers,
Slope stability
(iv) Install some extra instruments at other potentially observation wells, piezometers, shear
critical secondary locations to function as indices of strips
comparable behavior, and Joint or crack Crack meters, reference points, plaster
Locate rows of survey monuments at periods in the movement or grout patches
longitudinal direction at suitable elevations. Earth pressure cells, stress meters, strain
Stresses or strains
meters, over coring
Seismic loading Accelerographs
Relaxation of Jacking tests, load cells, extensometers,
post-tension anchors fiber-optic cables
Visual observation, loss of section
Concrete
survey, laboratory and petrographic
deterioration
analyses
Visual observation, precise position and
level surveys, plumb measurements,
Concrete growth tiltmeters, plumb lines, inclinometers,
extensometers, joint meters, calibrated
tapes, petrographic analyses
Visual observation, sonic thickness
Steel deterioration
measurements, test coupons

Figure No. 2. Typical instrumentation layout showing

instruments for existing dam
(Source: DRIP 2018 Publications2)
Fig. 3: Vibrating Wire Piezometer Installation
Table 1: Typical instrumentation used in evaluating
causes of common problems/concerns
Problem/concern Typical instrumentation The vibrating wire Piezometer contains a steel wire extended
Visual observation, weirs, flowmeters, between a fixed anchorage and a sensitive stainless steel
Seepage or leakage flumes, calibrated containers, diaphragm. The ends of the wire are anchored to ensure
observation wells, piezometers excellent long-term stability. An electromagnetic coil
Boils or piping Visual observation, piezometers, weirs assembly, located close to the wire, is utilized to pluck the
Uplift pressure, pore wire and also to sense and convert the subsequent wire
Visual observation, observation wells,
pressure, or phreatic
piezometers
vibrations into an electrical AC output whose frequency is
surface related to the tension of the wire. Change in pore water
Drain function or Visual observation, pressure and flow pressure cause the diaphragm to deflect, thus altering the
adequacy measurements, piezometers tension of the wire and consequently the frequency of the
Visual observation, sounding, output (pore pressure is proportional to frequency). This
Erosion, scour, or
underwater inspection,
sedimentation frequency is measured using an advanced Digital Readout
photogrammetric survey
Unit and readings can be displayed in units of pressure. Since
Dissolution of
Water quality tests only frequency is measured, changes in the length, resistance
foundation strata
Total or surface Visual observation, precise position and or temperature of the connecting cable have a negligible effect
movement level surveys, plumb measurements, on the signal (as assumed). Transducers are fabricated
(translation, rotation) tiltmeters completely in stainless steel mounted in a rigid PVC housing.

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 Instrumentation And Monitoring Of Dams And Reservoirs

i) BORE HOLE EXTENSOMETER iii) OPEN CHAMBER PIEZOMETER (OCP)/ POROUS

Bore Hole Extensometer is an instrument for measuring CHAMBER PIEZOMETER (PTP)
deformation and measures longitudinal displacement between This piezometer (Fig 8) is utilized to measure water Pressure
two points in fill and lateral strains in earth dams. It has an in Spillway / Dam body. The porous tube is set in gap drilled
external pipe fitted with two end flanges and an internal into the foundation to a pre-defined depth to measure pore
stainless steel rod. One end of the rod is joined to a flange, water pressure in the foundation. The pressure of the pore
while the other end of the rod is joined to a displacement water surrounding the porous tube causes a flow through the
sensor, which is attached to the other flange. piezometer until in the pressure is equalized by the head of
The Bore Hole extensometer (typical image shown in water in the standpipe (plastic tube). The rise of water within
Fig.4) is designed for short term or long term observations of the plastic tube is determined by Water Level Sounder. Its run
displacements between two points inside any type of may vary from 0 to 15 m.
manmade fill. The base length, the distance between the two
end flanges, is variable and is generally from 1.5 to 50 meters.
The fill extensometer is normally installed horizontally in
trenches and can be assembled in series using threaded rods
inserted in the holes on each end flange. However, in some
applications such as for measuring settlement at the point of
contact with the foundation, it is installed vertically. Reading
are obtained with a portable FC Series readout or with a
C.A.F. or SENS– LOG automated data acquisition system.
Each instrument comes with a calibration curve to convert
frequency into a displacement value.

Fig. 8: Open Chamber Piezometer

iv) Total Stress Measurement

Total stress measurements in soil fall into two fundamental
categories: measurements inside a soil mass (with embedment
earth pressure cells) and measurements at the interface (with
Fig. 4: Bore Hole Extensometer contact earth pressure cells).
ii) JOINT METER/CRACK METER
Joint meter is typically to measure relative movement across A. viii) Seepage Measurement
joints and consists of a displacement transducer, fixed Seepage measuring gadgets are utilized in dams to measure
between anchors on opposite side of the joints. 3D crack amounts of seepage through, around, and beneath the dam
meters are utilised to monitor three way displacement (X, Y body. Perceptions of seepage rate can be connected with
and Z) across joints or cracks between adjoining concrete and measurements of piezometric pressure, and be used to look
rock structures. the viability of drains, relief wells, and cutoffs.

v) Seismic Measurement
The obsolete concept that seismic instrumentation of earth and
rockfill dams and reservoir sites are only an investigating tool
has given way to the advanced concept that seismic
instrumentation is necessary for moderate-to-high risk dams in
Fig. 5: Electronic Joint Meter with displacement transducer seismic ranges. Three types of recording gadgets are popular
today. They are:
i) Acclerograph,
ii) Seismic acceleration alarm device (SAD), and
iii) Non-electronic peak Acclerograph recorder.

VI. RISING TREND IN INSTRUMENTATION

A rising trend in instrumentation is Distributed Fiber Optical
innovation. This optical innovation recognizes and measures
seepage flow all along the complete dam. This can be used in
brief and long term checking of seepage flow variations. In
Fig 6 : 3D- Crack Meter Fig 7: Joint Meter this temperature measurement is used to identify the seepage.
This is being widely used in Sweden and Germany e.g. Hylte
Dam, Sweden. This technology uses scattering characteristics

66 www.ijeas.org
 International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (IJEAS)
ISSN: 2394-3661, Volume-6, Issue-10, October 2019
of laser light where scattered light has strong relation to
temperature and detector measures the change in power and
frequency of scattered light against time at all positions of
fiber. Seasonal temperature changes are also measured and
strongly related to seepage flow.

VII. CONCLUSION
Instrumentation, which is essentially a technology of
measurements, helps in monitoring and evaluating the
performance of dams during their construction as well as
during their operation. It facilitates in locating distress areas
and providing remedial measures. Instrumentation greatly
helps in checking the theories used in design and validating
them. Such a comparison between prediction and
performance become invaluable for indicating the directions
in which design principles can be improved and erroneous
concepts discarded. The behaviour of dam during
construction and operation is being and shall be monitored
through well planned scheme of instrumentation. Various
instruments are typically required in the construction of large,
highly hazardous dams, and may be necessary on existing
dam rehabilitation projects. Instruments can be installed to
monitor the performance of the dam during construction,
during initial reservoir filling, and during the life of the
structure. Other less common instrumentation may be
considered for unusual conditions. Any instrumentation
selected should target specific items to be evaluated, establish
critical thresholds that suggest the need for a specific action,
and establish the details of the monitoring programs.
Foundation and embankment performance may be monitored
with piezometers, settlement devices, inclinometers, and
seepage measuring devices, displacements may be measured
with tilt meters, seepage can be monitored and calculated
using V- notch weirs, strain may be measured by using strain
gauges, stress in the dam body may be monitored by installing
total pressure cells, dynamic loads can be monitored using
seismometers, temperatures can be monitored by using
temperature sensors.

REFERENCES
[1] ASCE (2002), “Guidelines for instrumentation and measurements for
monitoring dam performance”, prepared by American Society of Civil
Engineers (ASCE)-Task Committee on Instrumentation and
Monitoring Dam Performance.
[2] DRIP 2018,” “Guidelines for instrumentation of Large Dams”.
[3] Duncliff, J. (1988). “Geotechnical Instrumentation for Monitoring Field
Performance”, John Wiley, New York.
[4] Engineer Manual 1110-2-1908 (1995). Instrumentation of Embankment
Dams and Levees, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
[5] Hanna, T.H. (1985). Field Instrumentation in Geotechnical Engineering,
Transtech Publications.
[6] Mathur, G.N, Dr. Chawla, A.S, Sundaraiya, E (2004) “Instrumentation of
Dams”, CBIP Publication No. 287.
[7] FERC 2018 publications,” Engineering Guidelines for the Evaluation of
Hydropower Projects”

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