Real time telemetric monitoring system of large dams and new methods for analysis of dam dynamics

Abstract

Large dams are complex systems with nonlinear dynamic behavior. Engineers often are forced to assess dam safety based on just available imperfect data, which is extremely difficult. Solution of this principal problem comes from the modern theory of complex systems. It is the well known that it is, possible to derive characteristics of the whole unknown dynamics using few data sets of certain carefully selected parameter(s). By means of such continuously recorded high quality sets of dam geotechnical characteristic(s), modern methods of time series nonlinear analysis allows accomplishment of valuable reconstruction of the main dynamical features of the entire, unknown process (here - dam deformation).

We created the Early Warning Telemetric System for Dam Diagnostics (DAMWATCH), which consists of sensors (tiltmeters), terminal and central controllers connected by the GSM/GPRS Modem to the diagnostic center. The dam tilt data for varying reservoir load will be compared to (static) design model of dam deformation computed by finite element method (FEM). Besides, recently developed nonlinear data analysis and prediction schemes may help to quantify fine dynamical features of dam behavior. The corresponding software package DAMTOOL is developed.

The differences between characteristics of real (measured) and theoretically predicted data may signal either abnormal behavior of the object or some deficiencies in theoretical model. The data obtained already during exploitation of the system show interesting long-term and short-term patterns of tilts in the dam body, which can be used for dam diagnostics. Proposed complex of real-time telemetric monitoring (DAMWATCH) and nonlinear dynamical analysis system (DAMTOOL) has no analogues worldwide.