SEDL / STP / STP1358-EB / STP14228S

Integrated Automation of the New Waddell Dam Performance Data Acquisition System

Welch, LR
Technical Specialist and Automation Specialist, Structural Behavior and Instrumentation Group, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO

Fields, PE
Technical Specialist and Automation Specialist, Structural Behavior and Instrumentation Group, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Denver, CO

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1999

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Abstract

New Waddell Dam, a key feature of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's Central Arizona Project, had elements of its dam safety data acquisition system incorporated into the design and construction. The instrumentation array is a reflection of the dam's large size and foundation complexity. Much of the instrumentation is automated. This automation was accomplished while maintaining independent communication connections to major divisions of the instrument array. Fiber optic cables are used to provide high quality data, free from voltage surges that could originate in a nearby powerplant switchyard or from lightning. The system has been working well but there are concerns with a lack of continued equipment manufacturer support.