Novosibirsk Scientists Develop Innovative Method for Hydropower Dam Diagnostics
The scientific breakthrough achieved by Novosibirsk engineers not only advances Russia’s hydropower sector but also opens opportunities for broader applications across infrastructure safety worldwide.
Researchers at Novosibirsk State Technical University, together with the Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, have created a groundbreaking method for inspecting hydraulic structures that makes it possible to detect defects without shutting down power facilities.
Core of the Development
The innovative approach combines two passive seismic methods: seismo-emission tomography and standing wave analysis. These techniques measure the natural vibrations of structures under everyday loads without interfering with their operation. This achievement paves the way for enhancing the safety of critical infrastructure.
A key result of the research was the accurate detection of a filtration zone – water seeping through the body of a dam – at a depth of 30 meters during tests at a hydropower facility in the permafrost zone. To confirm this, scientists carried out more than 700 measurements, and the results were validated against long-term water level data and subsequent inspections conducted by the facility’s engineers.
Advantages over Traditional Methods
Just a few years ago, diagnostics of hydraulic structures looked very different. Conventional approaches were mainly limited to visual inspections, classical seismic tomography, and electrical tomography. These methods often required shutting down the facility and failed to capture the full range of potential defects.
In 2021, the company SMIS Expert introduced a monitoring and industrial safety system for hydraulic structures, which marked a significant step forward. This solution involved installing strain gauges, piezometers, inclinometers, and crack meters, along with specialized software for continuous automated monitoring. However, it required the physical installation of equipment on the structure itself.
The Novosibirsk innovation represents a qualitative leap. For the first time, seismo-emission tomography – previously used only for geophysical research of the Earth’s crust – was adapted for monitoring engineering structures without installing sensors directly on them.
Practical Applications and Prospects
The method has already proven effective and is ready to be deployed for diagnosing a variety of structures, including hydraulic facilities in harsh climates, as well as bridges, tunnels, roadbeds, industrial facilities, and even for cave detection and corrosion monitoring.
Future development plans include creating continuous monitoring systems with early defect warnings – a particularly critical feature for vital infrastructure. The technology also holds significant export potential thanks to its ability to inspect facilities in remote regions without shutting them down.
From Method to Technology
Although so far the methodology has been tested at only one facility, additional pilot projects are expected, particularly in cooperation with RusHydro. This aligns with industry regulatory requirements that mandate the creation of automated monitoring and safety systems for hydraulic structures classified as hazard category I and II.
The Novosibirsk development is a major step forward in safe and efficient inspections of hydraulic facilities, offering high precision and versatile application. In the coming years, the method is expected to gain wide adoption both in Russia and abroad, contributing to the safety of energy infrastructure.
