Multi-dimensional database design and implementation of dam safety monitoring system

To improve the effectiveness of dam safety monitoring database systems, the development process of a multi-dimensional conceptual data model was analyzed and a logic design wasachieved in multi-dimensional database mode. The optimal data model was confirmed by identifying data objects, defining relations and reviewing entities. The conversion of relations among entities to external keys and entities and physical attributes to tables and fields was interpreted completely. On this basis, a multi-dimensional database that reflects the management and analysis of a dam safety monitoring system on monitoring data information has been established, for which factual tables and dimensional tables have been designed. Finally, based on service design and user interface design, the dam safety monitoring system has been developed with Delphi as the development tool. This development project shows that the multi-dimensional database can simplify the development process and minimize hidden dangers in the database structure design. It is superior to other dam safety monitoring system development models and can provide a new research direction for system developers.

Long-term dam safety monitoring of Punt dal Gall arch dam in Switzerland

The 130m high Punt dal Gall dam is located at the Swiss-Italian border in the South-eastern part of Switzerland and was completed in 1969.The dam is founded on highly folded and partially crushed dolomite and limestone formations.A grout curtain with an area of 120,000m^(2) was provided for controlling seepage.For the monitoring of the dam deformations five inverted pendulums were installed in the dam and three in the rock foundation of the right abutment outside of the dam.For a seasonal water level fluctuation in the reservoir of about 60 m the maximum amplitude of the radial displacement is 25 mm,which includes both the effects of the water load and temperature effects.Furthermore a comprehensive geodetic network was established,57 joint meters were installed and cracks in the crest gallery are monitored by crack meters.There are also thermometers,piczometers and rocmeters.Springs at the left and fight banks of the dam are monitored and chemical analyses of the seepage water and springs are performed regularly.The dam is equipped with strong motion instruments and several near-field earthquakes have been recorded in the past.The paper describes the long-term safety monitoring of this 42 years old arch dam.A short description of the Swiss practice in dam safety monitoring and emergency planning is also given.

Lessons learned from Wenchuan earthquake for seismic safety of large dams

This paper describes some special features of the Wenchuan earthquake that affected dam safety. Damage and performance of dams, primarily for four dams over 100 m high located in the affected earthquake area, are briefly described. Lessons learned related to dam safety from this devastating earthquake are preliminarily drawn. As the seismic safety of high dams during strong earthquakes has gained more attention around the world, some critical issues related to dam construction in China are considered and extensively discussed. Questions such as ＂Why is dam construction necessary in earthquake prone countries such as China？＂, ＂Can we accurately evaluate the seismic safety of high dams in China？＂, ＂Did reservoir impounding of the Zipingpu and Three Gorges Projects trigger the Wenchuan Earthquake in some way？＂ and ＂What is the strategic priority of dam safety for large dams in China？＂ are discussed. Finally, the corresponding tactics with response to the challenge are suggested and recent preliminary progress mainly achieved in IWHR is briefly introduced.

Dynamic probability evaluation of safety levels of earth-rockfill dams using Bayesian approach

In order to accurately predict and control the aging process of dams, new information should be collected continuously to renew the quantitative evaluation of dam safety levels. Owing to the complex structural characteristics of dams, it is quite difficult to predict the time-varying factors affecting their safety levels. It is not feasible to employ dynamic reliability indices to evaluate the actual safety levels of dams. Based on the relevant regulations for dam safety classification in China, a dynamic probability description of dam safety levels was developed. Using the Bayesian approach and effective information mining, as well as real-time information, this study achieved more rational evaluation and prediction of dam safety levels. With the Bayesian expression of discrete stochastic variables, the a priori probabilities of the dam safety levels determined by experts were combined wfth the likelihood probability of the real-time check information, and the probability information for the evaluation of dam safety levels was renewed. The probability index was then applied to dam rehabilitation decision-making. This method helps reduce the difficulty and uncertainty of the evaluation of dam safety levels and complies with the current safe decision-making regulations for dams in China. It also enhances the application of current risk analysis methods for dam safety levels.

Safety of small and medium dams in permafrost regions

Safe operation and performance of dams is one of the key issues in permafrost regions. At present, the existing dams are 40–45 years old and they are reaching their design life limit. Intensive geocryological processes（thermokarst, thermal erosion, frost heaving, suffosion, concentrated seepage along the voids left by melt ice and others） begin to develop at the early stages of construction. These processes are even more intensive under severe climatic conditions of the permafrost zone due to the large thermal and moisture gradients and the resulting complex thermal stress-strain state in the structures. Determining safety criteria is a critical and difficult task in dam safety management. The existing procedures need to be continuously refined and improved depending on dam importance class. Some researchers recommend introducing process development criteria（stability, destabilization, and extremality） for more objective assessment of dam safety, in addition to the existing two condition criteria. In other words, they call for a multi-factor dam – environment interaction system. A case study of safety declaration for an existing dam is presented.

Seismic failure modes and seismic safety of Hardfill dam

Based on microscopic damage theory and the finite element method, and using the Weibull distribution to characterize the random distribution of the mechanical properties of materials, the seismic response of a typical Hardfill dam was analyzed through numerical simulation during the earthquakes with intensities of 8 degrees and even greater. The seismic failure modes and failure mechanism of the dam were explored as well. Numerical results show that the Hardfill dam remains at a low stress level and undamaged or slightly damaged during an earthquake with an intensity of 8 degrees. During overload earthquakes, tensile cracks occur at the dam surfaces and extend to inside the dam body, and the upstream dam body experiences more serious damage than the downstream dam body. Therefore, under the seismic conditions, the failure pattern of the Hardfill dam is the tensile fracture of the upstream regions and the dam toe. Compared with traditional gravity dams, Hardfill dams have better seismic performance and ~reater seismic safety.

Several issues to be considered for long-term better behavior of concrete gravity dams

Along with economic,social quick development and urbanization,dams and reservoirs are of strategic importance for flood control,water supply,electricity production,irrigation,etc.,both for developed countries and for developing countries.Climate change is a new challenging issue to be considered which will speed up the development of hydropower in developing countries.More and more attention will be paid on the long-term better behavior of dams to guarantee the safety of the people involved and the better development of the world.There are about 50000 old dams in the world and a lot of them have been completed and operated for more than 50 years.However,how do we evaluate the dams’safety?How do we make the decision to do rehabilitation work or to rebuild a new dam based on evaluation results?The life span and the real safety status of old dams becomes a challenging task for the dam society,especially for China because it has more than 6000 dams to be evaluated and rehabilitated within the next few years.Based on the investigation of the Fengman gravity dam,which is 91.7 m high,operated since 1943 and suffered uplift pressure,freeze and thaw problems,etc.,discussions on the life span evaluation of old concrete gravity dams have been made.The reasonable coefficient of dam safety has been discussed.The social decision for the final choice after comprehensive studies has been introduced.