A new report released today by Bentley Systems and ThoughtLab sheds light on the growing trend of automation in dam condition monitoring. The study, which surveyed 400 industry experts globally, including 49 dam owners and service providers, reveals significant shifts in data collection and analysis practices.
Key findings
The report reveals that dam owners are set to increase their share of automated monitoring from 76% to 82% over the next two years, while service providers will boost their automation levels from 82% to 87%. This pace of adoption outstrips other infrastructure sectors covered in the study. Automation has proven to be a game-changer for the industry:
- 78% of automated dam owners report more cost-effective project execution
- Nearly three-quarters of organizations have expanded the number of parameters they measure due to the enhanced accuracy, efficiency, and scalability of automated solutions
- Over 40% of organizations have broadened their monitoring capabilities through automation
Technological integration
The survey highlights the increasing integration of advanced technologies in dam monitoring:
- Almost 40% of organizations now integrate sensor data with predictive models
- 28% are utilizing digital twins, enabling better maintenance prediction, risk mitigation, and decision-making
Driving forces
The main factors influencing the adoption of automated monitoring include:
- Social license (need to communicate performance to stakeholders)
- Operational demands
- Technological advancements
- Regulatory requirements
- Economic factors
Future outlook
The report paints an optimistic picture for the future of dam monitoring. Notably, 100% of automated dam owners believe their condition monitoring practices will meet stakeholder demands in 10 years. With over 91,000 dams in the US alone, and 15,600 considered high-hazard potential, the adoption of automation and its integration with technologies like digital twins and sensors is becoming crucial for public safety and infrastructure resilience.
This comprehensive report underscores the critical role of automation in improving dam safety, enhancing decision-making capabilities, and driving long-term business viability in the dam industry. As the sector continues to evolve, the integration of automated monitoring systems is set to play an increasingly vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our critical infrastructure.
