Table 1. Structure of dam surveillance system in Switzerland
Level |
Responsibility |
Activities |
Reports |
1 |
Owner (dam safety engineer, technical staff) |
Regular inspection of condition (by visual observations) and behaviour (by measurements). Tests of spillway and bottom outlet gates. |
Monitoring records and test protocols |
2 |
Experienced engineer (civil engineer) |
Analysis of the measured data and observations. Annual inspection of the dam. |
Yearly report on condition and on measured behaviour. |
3 |
Experts (civil engineer and geologist) |
Inspection and appraisal of the dam safety every five years. |
Report on condition and long-term behaviour. Analysis of special safety related questions. |
4 |
Dam Safety Authority |
On-site inspection. Review of the annual reports and the expert’s appraisal. Verification of the implementation of the necessary measures. |
Interventions if measures have to be implemented. |