Dual Axis Scanning Sonar

Many dams serve as debris filters for large watersheds, accumulating waterlogged debris that can reduce flow or block intake structures, affecting power generation. Intake debris monitoring keeps conditions safe – and keeps the power on.  In addition, when dams have emergency bypasses, water flow can cause significant scour downstream. Discharge scour monitoring illuminates the severity of the scouring. Siltation buildup in dam reservoirs is also a significant concern, as it can damage turbines and affect power generation. With increasing storm activity, deforestation, and wildfires, reservoir sedimentation monitoring is more important than ever.

Real-time dredge monitoring for rotating cutter suction, clam shell, and backhoe dredges Dredges can be expensive to operate. Without real-time dredge monitoring, dredge contractors must move the dredge away from the worksite. Then, the contractor must pay for a survey to confirm that the material was properly removed. This method incurs both downtime and survey expenses. If the dredged area does not meet the specifications, the contractor must reposition the dredge a second time and pay for another survey, leading to further costs. To ensure they meet the specification on the second try, contractors may over-dredge. But they won't get paid for the extra work.

Rivers and tides can create shallow areas or cause siltation and scour. These changes can occur slowly, or extremely rapidly. The speed of water flow can vary dramatically from low tide to high tide. Drought and heavy rainfall can also play a role. Scour can cause sudden catastrophic failure of bridge piers, which is why several federal regulations focus on the importance of inspecting scour-critical bridge piers regularly.  Scour can also pose a risk to port infrastructure. Commercial vessels are larger, and their propulsion systems are more powerful. Propellers and thrusters undercut bulkheads and scour deck piles. In doing so, they deposit the material elsewhere in navigation channels. Civil engineers must monitor for scour and take corrective action to protect ports.