Instrumentation of Concrete Dams

Mathur R K., Sehra R. S., Gupta S. L.

Instrumentation for dams is mainly required for two purposes, to compare the parameters during actual execution of project with the parameters designed and to detect any unusual or abnormal behavior of structure during construction and post -construction so that any future hazards can be predicted. Instrumentation may differ for different kind of dams.  Instrumentation for concrete dams is needed to monitor performance of mainly concrete super structure and foundation. Proper instrumentation plan can evaluate actual behaviour of dam and its pertinent structures. This paper briefly discusses instrumentation of concrete dam along with specific parameters to be monitored, instruments required and frequency of instrumentation for different parameters. A case study of instrumentation is also discussed.