Stablishing a geodetic network for structure monitoring: a study case at Salto Caxias Dams

Abstract

The Geodetic instrumentation of dams are very important to monitore this kind of
structure because problems with the dams can represent economical damages,
enviromental problems, and the worst situation lost of human lives. The main
objectives of this work are to stablish a geodetic network for monitoring the Salto
Caxias Dam, develop methodologies for collecting field data, and to present
estrategies for data processing. In this work, different survey techniques were
applied, such as: triangulation, trilateration, precision geometric levelling and GPS
(Global Positioning System) observation, each one with a specific aim inside in the
monitoring project. A net with six control points were projected and stablished in
the region of the dam, and the point coordinates were obtained at different periods
of time. The data collected in the surveying campaigns were processed by using the
least squares principles inside the Coordinate Variation Method. There were also
applied some statistical tests like Data Snooping Test for the blunders detection.
The final purpose in establishing the refered network was to have to have a geodetic
rigid reference structure for moniting the time beahavior of the dam.