Typically, dam inspections are conducted either as deep-dive engineering or regular operational inspections. While licensed engineers conduct engineering inspections every few years, operations inspections are more routine and performed by dam owners and managers. These inspections are vital to enable the optimum performance of the dam and ensure its safety. This post will review some highlights of the dam inspection process.
- How do inspectors conduct Dam Inspection?
- Why are dam inspections so crucial for the private and government companies which own and manage dams?
- How does Fielda help dam inspectors conduct these inspections in a hassle-free manner?
How do inspectors conduct Dam Inspection: Dam inspections involve thorough checks of the various structures within the dam, such as the barrier, upstream slope structure, the pond drain, gate valves, principal spillway conduit, principal spillway outlet, perimeter fence, foundation drains, and emergency spillways. Inspectors look for changes in water level, log recent repairs conducted, alterations made to the dam, and note any development in the downstream flood plain and around the reservoir. They examine components to look for damage, corrosion, bends, leaks, or the presence of debris that could impact the performance of the dam.
Why Dam Inspections are so critical: Hydro-power projects come under the regulatory purview of government bodies. Besides OSHA, which outlines safety regulations, dams are also regulated during construction and operational phases by bodies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Dam inspections must be conducted thoroughly to ensure compliance with these mandates laid down by such bodies. They are also vital to ensure the dam is operating optimally. And perhaps the most crucial aspect involved in dam management is ensuring the safety of the entire locality, which a breach or flood could impact.
How Fielda helps enhance Dam Inspection: Whether they are engineering or operational inspections, these audits capture various information and often require inspectors to share photos or video evidence of their observations. Fielda offers simplicity and ease during the data gathering process. Inspectors can create, edit and update dam inspection checklists using custom forms and also include evidence files and documents at one go seamlessly from their mobile devices. In some locations, internet connectivity may not be available. Fielda addresses this challenge with its offline data capture feature enabling instant data synchronization on the cloud as soon as connectivity is available.
Adapt: Design, modify and leverage forms and workflow to optimally manage the inspection process
Access: Generate reports in real-time to make informed decisions
Synergize: Collaborate more effectively with operational teams for task assignment, tracking, and review of metrics
About Fielda: Fielda helps companies manage and maintain their assets and gain real-time oversight of all tasks, workflows, and projects to improve operational efficiency, enhance team productivity and impact the bottom line. Whether it’s installations, inspections, repairs, replacement of parts, servicing and maintenance, or routine audits, with Fielda’s mobile data collection, GIS-enabled technology, automated and custom workflows, and analytics, you can eliminate errors, enhance response time, ease workflow bottlenecks, and simplify your field operations.