Guidelines for Instrumentation and Measurements for Monitoring Dam Performance

This report presents the methodology and process for the selection, measurement instruments and techniques, installation, operation, maintenance, use, and evaluation of instrumentation and measurement systems for dams, appurtenant structures, their foundations and environment. Topics include factors affecting dam performance, means and methods of monitoring dam performance, planning and implementation of a monitoring program, data evaluation and reporting, and decision-making. Case histories of instrumentation and monitoring programs at specific dams are also provided. There are no simple rules or standards for determining the proper level of instrumentation and monitoring. These guidelines are not intended to be prescriptive or to establish minimum standards for instrumentation. Each dam is unique and deciding how to monitor its behavior requires skill and judgment beyond the scope of these guidelines. These guidelines are intended to be educational providing all dam owners, engineers, and regulators a handy and comprehensive source of information about instrumentation and measurements for monitoring performance of all types of dams. [ASCE]