Problems and solutions in the integrated monitoring and analysis of dam deformations

Abstract

Research on new methods and new techniques for the monitoring and analysis of deformations has been one of the main activities of the Engineering and Mining Surveying Research Group at the University of New Brunswick over the past fifteen years. Research has resulted in the development of the UNB Generalized Method for geometrical deformation analysis, the use of the MINQUE theory for variance component estimation, the development of a multi-objective design optimization method, and the deterministic modeling of deformations using the finite element method. These new methods have been successfully implemented in many engineering and geoscience projects including the integrated analysis of complex deformations at the Mactaquac generating station in New Brunswick which is described in this paper. There are over 6000 large dams in North America with only a few being properly monitored. The new methods and techniques developed at UNB may serve as the basis for the development of urgently needed guidelines and specifications for the monitoring and analysis of dam deformations.