The Directorate-General for Water has awarded OFITECO a contract to carry out the technical review of the monitoring systems installed at ten state-owned dams. The objective of this project is to assess the current condition of monitoring equipment and surveillance infrastructure in order to strengthen dam safety and improve the procedures associated with monitoring dam behaviour.
This initiative will provide a detailed evaluation of the existing instrumentation, the recording methods currently in use and the data management processes applied at each facility. Based on this assessment, improvements will be identified to enhance dam safety by increasing the reliability of monitoring systems, enabling a more accurate interpretation of dam behaviour and ensuring operation in compliance with current regulatory requirements.
Scope of the Works
The contract includes the review of the historical technical documentation available for each dam, as well as the performance of specific inspections. These will directly verify the operational condition and state of preservation of both the infrastructure and the installed instrumentation.
Based on the information collected, individual reports will be prepared for each dam, including a diagnosis of the current situation and recommendations for improvement. In addition, a comprehensive report will be developed, bringing together common findings and proposals that can be applied across all the dams evaluated.
The project also includes the review of monitoring data management and analysis procedures to assess their suitability for dam surveillance requirements and identify optimisation oportunities. As part of the scope, a training programme will be developed for operational personnel. This programme will strengthen technical knowledge related to equipment operation, data collection and the correct interpretation of information generated by monitoring systems.
OFITECO’s Role in the Project
OFITECO will be responsible for assessing the suitability and condition of the installed instrumentation, determining the extent to which the existing equipment provides accurate and sufficient information for dam safety monitoring. This review will help identify potential requirements for equipment upgrades, adjustments or replacement, while also improving the reliability of monitoring records and the interpretation of the data obtained, with the aim of optimising the overall monitoring system and achieving a comprehensive understanding of dam safety conditions.
Additionally, OFITECO will evaluate data collection, processing and storage procedures, with particular attention to the consistency, traceability and usefulness of the information generated. This work will be complemented by training activities for technical personnel, facilitating adaptation to the equipment and diagnostic processes derived from the collected data.
A Boost for the Improvement of Hydraulic Infrastructure Assets
The project represents a significant step forward in enhancing the monitoring and control of a substantial group of state-owned dams. As a result, the work will help optimise existing monitoring systems and strengthen the safety of infrastructures that are essential for water resource management.
Through this review, OFITECO will contribute to improving the reliability and effectiveness of the control systems associated with these strategic hydraulic assets.
