APPLICATION OF A COST-EFFECTIVE IN-PLACE INCLINOMETER SYSTEM ON A ZONED EARTH DAM

Abstract

Monitoring in embankment dams is crucial for ensuring structural integrity and preventing potential failures. Traditional inclinometer data collection methods are time-consuming, labour-intensive, and lack support for automatic real-time or remote monitoring. Existing In-Place Inclinometer (IPI) systems are often prohibitively expensive, particularly when multiple sensors are required, limiting their adoption in resource-constrained settings. To address these limitations, a cost-effective IPI prototype using MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) accelerometers was developed alongside a web application for automated data collection and visualization. This paper focuses on the application of the developed system in the Azibo Dam, a zoned embankment dam in northern Portugal. Inclinometer monitoring data, collected over several decades using traditional methods, were used to evaluate the system's capabilities. A web application is being developed to enable users to visualize both historical and real-time data directly, providing tools for trend analysis and pattern recognition. A key feature is the ability to define "Monitoring Profiles," which spatially visualize data from multiple inclinometers within a cross-section or top-down view, enhancing the understanding of dam behaviour over time. Advanced filtering options, such as interval selection and customizable reference points, further support detailed analysis. The case study demonstrates the effectiveness of proposed visualizations in streamlining data interpretation and improving decision-making for dam safety management. By offering a user-friendly, open-source, and cost-effective solution, the proposed solution addresses critical monitoring challenges, particularly for dams in financially constrained environments.