Dam Monitoring Solutions

Critical Intelligence for Hydraulic Infrastructure

The safety of a dam relies on the stability of invisible forces. At Wang Technology, we provide robust monitoring solutions that act as the eyes and ears of dam operators.

Whether monitoring a concrete arch dam, an earthen embankment, or a tailings facility, our systems track the complex interaction between hydraulic pressure, structural stress, and ground deformation.

With decades of experience, we empower operators to detect potential failure modes—such as internal erosion or foundation sliding—long before they become visible.

Our automated systems deliver regulatory-compliant data in real-time, ensuring the safety of downstream communities and the longevity of the water asset.

We design instrumentation networks that address the specific failure modes of your dam type (Concrete, Embankment, or Tailings).

1. Seepage & Leakage Monitoring
   

   Uncontrolled seepage is the leading cause of embankment dam failure. We install automated monitoring stations at toe drains and relief wells to measure flow rates and turbidity.
   Automated Weirs: Equipped with ultrasonic level sensors or magnetostrictive probes to detect minute changes in flow volume.
   Turbidity Sensors: Monitoring water clarity to detect "piping" (internal soil erosion) where the dam core is being washed away.

2. Pore Pressure & Uplift Monitoring
   

   High pore pressure can destabilize a dam's foundation. We utilize Vibrating Wire Piezometers installed in the core and foundation to track the phreatic surface (water table). For concrete dams, we install Uplift Pressure Cells at the rock-concrete interface to verify that the dam is not being "lifted" by water pressure, which could lead to sliding or overturning.

3. Geodetic & Deformation Monitoring
   

   Dams move cyclically with seasonal temperature changes and reservoir levels. We distinguish normal "breathing" from dangerous deformation using:
   AMTS (Robotic Total Stations): Continuously monitoring surface prisms on the dam crest and face for downstream drift or settlement.
   Inclinometers: Installed vertically through the dam crest to detect deep-seated shear movement or rotational slips in the embankment.
   Extensometers: Measuring axial deformation or foundation settlement with high precision.

4. Structural Stress & Joint Monitoring
   

   For concrete gravity and arch dams, we monitor the internal health of the structure.
   Joint Meters: Measuring the opening and closing of contraction joints to ensure the dam remains monolithic.
   Stress Cells & Strain Gauges: Embedded in the concrete to measure compressive forces and verify that reservoir loads are being safely transferred to the abutments.

Advanced Dam Technologies

To ensure your offering matches the sophistication of major competitors (like Geocomp/Sixense), we have integrated these advanced diagnostic tools:

Seismic (Strong Motion) Monitoring: Dams must survive earthquakes. We install triaxial accelerometers on the foundation and crest. In the event of a seismic event, these sensors trigger an immediate "State of Health" report, allowing operators to rapidly assess if the dam exceeded its design acceleration.

Fiber Optic Leak Detection (DTS): We utilize Distributed Temperature Sensing (DTS) fiber optic cables buried along the toe of the dam. Since seeping water has a different temperature than the surrounding soil, the fiber optic cable acts as a "thermometer" over kilometers of length, pinpointing the exact location of a leak within meters.

InSAR Satellite Monitoring: For large reservoirs, we use satellite radar to monitor the stability of the natural slopes surrounding the reservoir, detecting potential landslides that could generate dangerous impulse waves.