ABSTRACT

In the course of construction and particularly during the service period, it is necessary to perform continuous monitoring, i.e. observation, and surveillance of the embankment dam in order to have permanent insight into the condition and behaviour of the structure, enabling timely anticipation of any possible threat to its safety. Monitoring is carried out by means of measurements and keeping track of seepage phenomena, displacements and stresses both in the dam’s body and in the foundation. In the case of dams impounding exceptionally large storage reservoirs, as well as those which are located in seismically active areas, it is necessary to keep track of the seismic activity before, during and after forming the reservoir. Surveillance means a continuing examination of the condition of a dam and its appurtenant structures and the review of operation, maintenance and monitoring procedures and results in order to determine whether a hazardous trend is developing or appears likely to develop (Penman et al., 1999; Singh & Varshney, 1995).