Continuous dam monitoring: an essential basis for reliable back-analysis

Dam engineers have to deal increasingly with the back-analysis of existing dams in relation to the upgrading of existing schemes, renewal of hydropower plant concessions, changes in environmental conditions, new rules and regulations, unusual behaviour of dams or simply progress in knowledge. In Switzerland, the new guidelines concerning the seismic safety of dams currently require the back-analysis of almost all major dams. To be able to draw reliable conclusions from the results of such analyses, detailed knowledge of the dam’s long-term behaviour is essential. Continuous monitoring is therefore of vital concern to every owner responsible for the operation of large dams.