Life of a Dam Series – Dam Monitoring and Surveillance

Effective dam surveillance extends beyond collecting instrumentation readings. It requires a structured approach to monitoring, data management, engineering interpretation, and risk-informed decision-making to ensure the ongoing safety and performance of dam assets.

Join Dr. Manuel de Membrillera Ortuño, Fellow of Engineers Australia, former Chair of the ICOLD Technical Committee on Dam Surveillance, and internationally recognised dam safety specialist, as he shares lessons learned from more than two decades of experience across over 350 dam, hydropower, and tailings dam projects around the world.

Drawing on global case studies and practical examples, Dr. Manuel will discuss:

·         The role of monitoring and surveillance in maintaining dam safety throughout the asset lifecycle

·         Developing effective monitoring programs beyond instrumentation alone

·         Data quality, governance, and management for dam surveillance systems

·         Converting monitoring data into engineering knowledge and actionable insights

·         Diagnostic analyses, performance assessment, and anomaly detection

·         Emerging technologies, digital tools, and the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence

·         Integrating monitoring outcomes into dam safety risk assessments and decision-making

·         Why engineering judgement remains central to dam safety

Whether you are an emerging professional or an experienced practitioner, this webinar will provide practical insights into how dam owners and engineers can use monitoring and surveillance to improve understanding, manage risk, and support long-term dam safety outcomes.