Monitoring of Structures and Steep Embankments: a Fully Automated Approach

Automated monitoring of structures and steep embankments allows early detection of instability and can be used to avoid or mitigate possible failures. Systems that use multiple and different types of sensors have been developed and successfully tested at the Diamond Valley Lake reservoir in California and the Highland Valley Copper mine in British Columbia. These systems use robotic total stations (RTSs) as the primary measurement sensors, with surveys repeated at predefined intervals selected to optimize operational efficiency. A methodology has been developed to improve the system’s accuracy and reliability by reducing the effects of systematic errors created by atmospheric refraction and unstable instrument and reference point positions. The inclusion of GPS sensors to monitor the RTS positions creates additional operational flexibility and maintains system integrity when insufficient reference stations are available.