Aging dams, vital for irrigation, flood control, hydroelectric power, and water supply, face rising risks of failure due to structural degradation, climate impacts, and insufficient maintenance. Globally, over 10,000 large dams exceed 50 years in age, increasing hazards to human safety and ecosystems, especially as extreme weather intensifies stress on weakened structures. Key structural issues include concrete fatigue, steel corrosion, seepage, and sedimentation, which diminish storage capacity and threaten stability.

Case studies, such as the Oroville Dam incident, highlight the consequences of poor maintenance. Hydrological and environmental challenges also worsen, with sediment accumulation impacting flood control, power generation, and downstream ecosystems. Piping, internal erosion, and extreme weather further escalate failure risks, as seen in the Edenville and Sanford dam failures.

To mitigate these risks, modern monitoring technologies like Encardio Rite's Proqio platform integrate geotechnical instruments, remote sensing, and AI-driven alerts for real-time oversight. These technologies enable early detection, predictive maintenance, and dynamic risk assessment, supporting dam operators in safeguarding infrastructure and public safety over time.

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Categories

Tailings Dams, Concrete / Rollercrete Dams, Earth / Rockfill Dams, Arch Dams, Buttress Dams

Keywords

dam, Dam Monitoring, Dam Safety, Dams, Dam Safety Monitoring