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Hydropower dams and embankment dams play a critical role in energy generation, water storage and flood control. They present complex geotechnical and environmental risks. Embankment monitoring involves continuous measurement of settlement and deformation to ensure dam safety and long-term performance.
GroundProbe’s dam monitoring and settlement monitoring solutions are designed to deliver continuous, real-time visibility of ground movement and structural behaviour to support early intervention. This enables early detection of instability and informed decision-making.
Maintaining a high-resolution understanding and accurate reporting of embankment performance is essential for dam safety, regulatory compliance and long-term asset integrity. GroundProbe’s radar-based monitoring systems, combined with satellite-based InSAR services and complementary monitoring technologies, provide sub-millimetre accuracy in measuring deformation, settlement and structural movement across dam walls, supports and surrounding slopes. This enables operators to identify emerging risks early and respond before issues escalate.
SSR-Omni
The SSR-Omni is a full-coverage, high-resolution monitoring solution that delivers precise, actionable data.
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InSAR Service
The GroundProbe InSAR Service, in partnership with 3vGeomatics (3vG), is an effective tool for monitoring and detecting surface movement. It uses satellite-based radars which conduct scans every time they pass over the mine site.
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SSR-SARx
Designed to identify long-range risks and hazards, the SSR-SARx is a long-range and high-resolution system for the monitoring of tailings dams. The SSR-SARx is a 2D Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) designed to detect even the smallest of movements over long periods of time.
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SSR-FX
The SSR-FX is a monitoring system designed to provide geotechnical peace of mind. An expert tool for risk and hazard identification, the SSR-FX is a 2D Real Aperture Radar (RAR) specialising in detecting movement across vast mine sites over a long period of time, even in non-critical areas.
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SSR-XT
A tactical and targeted solution, the SSR-XT monitors movement that poses a potential or immediate threat to mine slopes, tailings dams, and surrounding infrastructures in general. The strong precision of its 3D Real Aperture Radar (RAR) ensures that areas of concern are monitored in real-time to ensure safety-critical management of at-risk areas.
Take a lookAdvanced Technology for Dam Monitoring
GroundProbe hydropower dam and embankment dam monitoring relies on robust, field-proven technology designed to operate continuously in environmentally demanding conditions. GroundProbe integrates ground-based radar, automated scanning and advanced analytics to deliver high-resolution insight into embankment behaviour and surrounding terrain. Effective dam monitoring supports operators in protecting infrastructure and identifying early signs of structural change.
By combining radar monitoring with InSAR data, operators gain both real-time visibility and long-term deformation trends. This layered approach supports efficient settlement monitoring, embankment performance assessment and dam water level monitoring, providing a comprehensive view of dam stability over time.
The Challenges of Settlement Monitoring
Monitoring settlement, embankments and hydropower dams presents unique challenges. Water level fluctuations, rainfall, seismic activity and seasonal temperature changes can all influence dam behaviour and accelerate settlement or deformation. Many dams are located in remote or difficult-to-access areas, limiting the effectiveness of traditional inspection methods.
Dam movement may occur gradually or rapidly, particularly during extreme weather events, requiring highly sensitive systems to detect subtle settlement and deliver timely alerts. Monitoring solutions must therefore operate reliably under these conditions to support confident decision-making. GroundProbe’s systems are engineered to meet these demands, enabling consistent dam monitoring across all operating conditions.
Dam Monitoring Solutions at GroundProbe
GroundProbe offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to support dam monitoring and early risk detection across hydropower and embankment dams:
- SSR-XT: Wide-area radar monitoring for detecting settlement and deformation across large dam walls and embankments.
- SSR-Omni: 360-degree radar providing complete situational awareness of dam structures and surrounding terrain.
- SSR-SARx: Ultra-sensitive radar ideal for identifying subtle, long-term deformation and early settlement trends.
- SSR-FX: Long-range monitoring across extensive sites, supporting broader dam and infrastructure surveillance.
- InSAR Service: Satellite-based monitoring that counterparts the ground radar, offering a wide-area coverage and long-term deformation tracking.
All solutions are supported by GroundProbe’s MonitorIQ® software, providing advanced data visualisation, predictive analysis, alarm management and reporting. Together, these technologies give dam owners and operators the tools needed to managing geotechnical risks with confidence.
Managing Embankments with GroundProbe
Looking for a high-precision, dependable approach to embankment dam and hydropower dam monitoring? GroundProbe provides solutions that deliver continuous, real-time insight into settlement, deformation and structural behaviour, empowering teams to act before minor issues become critical failures.
Backed by regional geotechnical specialists and 24/7 technical assistance, you will be supported by the GroundProbe team. GroundProbe partners with dam operators to strengthen safety, protect infrastructure and support long-term operational resilience in embankment dams.
Get in contact with GroundProbe to learn how our dam monitoring solutions can help you proactively mitigate future risks.
Hydropower Dams Monitoring FAQs
What is an embankment dam?
An embankment dam is a type of dam constructed from compacted earth or rock-fill materials. These large civil structures are commonly used to store water for water supply, flood management and hydropower generation. Not all embankment dams generate electricity, but when used for hydropower, continuous monitoring is essential to manage settlement, deformation and long-term structural stability.
How does a hydropower dam work?
A hydropower dam stores water in a reservoir and releases it through turbines to generate power. Maintaining dam stability and monitoring water levels, settlement and embankment behaviour are critical to safe and efficient future operations.
Where are dam monitoring systems used?
Dam monitoring systems are used across hydropower dams, embankment dams, tailings dams and major civil water infrastructure projects. Hydropower dams benefit from dam monitoring because of the subtle yet substantial changes in their environments. Any structure where settlement or deformation could impact safety or performance benefits from continuous monitoring.
Can hydropower dams be monitored with minimal resources?
Yes, GroundProbe’s approach to monitoring is automated and remotely engaged. Once deployed, they continuously monitor assigned areas and transmit real-time data and accurate alerts to centralised platforms, enabling safe, remote oversight.
