Monitoring Of Concrete Gravity Dams

Monitoring dams as an essential part of their operation is discussed. The major phenomena that are monitored vz. movements, uplift, leakage, stress, strain, chemical analysis of seepage waters, water table, seismic activity and cracks are described. An account is given of the Sydney Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board’s system of reporting monitored data. Case histories are described showing how recorded data indicated action was required and what remedial work ensued. Opinions expressed by the author in relation to the case histories are not necessarily supported by other members of the Board’s engineering staff.