Monitoring of hydraulic structures: Dams, riverbanks, quays
Constantly exposed to moisture, pressure variations and mechanical stresses, these structures are subject to various forms of deterioration. Cracking is one of the most common and visible signs.
Whether superficial or structural, cracks must be carefully monitored to ensure the safety and durability of these structures.
Crack monitoring on dam walls: the need for monitoring on riverbanks and dams
On a concrete riverbank, a quay wall, a lock or a dam, the appearance of cracks can compromise watertightness, stability or structural performance. A crack that changes over time may indicate more serious problems such as differential movement, water infiltration or a loss of structural integrity.
The causes of cracking are numerous:
- Hydraulic fluctuations: filling and emptying cycles, flooding, rapid drawdown, undermining.
- Thermal stresses: temperature differentials between submerged and above-water surfaces, differential expansion.
- Material ageing: concrete shrinkage, reinforcement corrosion, structural fatigue.
- Mechanical or geotechnical loads: settlement, ground subsidence, vibrations induced by navigation or plant equipment.
Measuring instruments for wet environments
Unlike land-based structures, structures in river or harbour environments are subject to specific constraints: permanent moisture, intermittent submersion, difficult or periodic access. Measuring instruments must therefore be:
- weatherproof,
- usable even under partial or temporary submersion,
- easy to use.
Our removable solutions for crack monitoring
The E1 removable digital crackmeter
This patented mounting system is based on fixed plates installed on either side of a crack. The crackmeter is temporarily clipped into these plates for measurement only.
The plates are made of PA12 (polyamide 12), a material with high resistance to UV, moisture and thermal cycling — used in particular for marine components. They can remain in place for several years, even in environments subject to immersion cycles.
The E1 crackmeter measures crack opening (1 axis), shear displacement (2 axes), and in certain cases differential settlement using an angle accessory (available on request).
The 3Dim gauge
A simple and robust alternative to Vinchon-type instruments, the 3Dim gauge operates on the same principle of point-reading by insertion into permanently mounted aluminium plates.
It enables measurement of movements along three axes.
For particularly aggressive environments (salt water, corrosive atmospheres), a version with stainless steel plates and a protective cover is available.
Connected systems for continuous monitoring
For operators of large hydraulic structures or infrastructure networks, manual data collection is often time-consuming. Our connected solutions offer a reliable and automated alternative.
The R1 connected crackmeter
The R1 connected crackmeter is an electronic sensor designed to monitor crack development over time. It automatically transmits data to a dedicated platform.
Compact and robust, it is waterproof with a certified IP66 protection rating. This makes it perfectly suited to outdoor and wet environments.
Powered by a long-life battery, it can operate for several years without intervention.
This solution is particularly suited to structures requiring regular monitoring or located in hard-to-access areas — such as dams, levees or engineered riverbank installations.
The R5 connected inclinometer
The R5 connected inclinometer measures changes in tilt along two axes (horizontal and vertical), to detect possible overturning movements or progressive deformation of a structure.
This robust sensor is also waterproof, with a certified IP66 protection rating, and runs on a long-life battery providing several years of autonomy without maintenance.
The R5 is ideal for monitoring the stability of quay walls, retaining walls, riverbanks or any structure where a tilt movement could signal a structural risk.
A dedicated application to centralise and use data
All data collected by our sensors is centralised in the Saugnac application, designed to facilitate remote monitoring of structures.
This secure platform enables visualisation of measurement trends over time, automatic threshold alerts when limit values are exceeded, and easy data sharing with technical teams or project partners.
Thanks to an intuitive interface, it simplifies the management of multiple sites and guarantees full traceability of readings — for reliable, continuous and collaborative monitoring.
Preventive monitoring in the service of safety
Our solutions are adapted to a wide range of hydraulic infrastructure, to monitor cracks and movements in stone, concrete and masonry structures, including:
- Dams subjected to mechanical loads,
- Urban quay walls affected by undermining,
- Bank reinforcements using retaining walls or riprap,
- Protective levees and waterway channels,
- Locks with sensitive technical areas,
- Water towers with structural cracking.
The consequences of inadequate monitoring can be severe: flooding, localised breaches, navigation restrictions or risk to local residents.
By combining robust measuring instruments, an easy-to-use application and digital data collection, operators can anticipate deterioration, plan repairs and ensure the long-term durability of hydraulic structures.