Tailings Dam Monitoring in Perth
Robust and accurate tailings dam monitoring is essential to ensure safety and compliance on mine sites.
Monitel uses advanced geotechnical instrumentation to monitor pore water pressure, seepage and stability in tailings dams. Our technology provides reliable insights into dam conditions, supporting informed decision-making and proactive risk management.
How Monitel Monitors Tailings Dams
Advanced, modern technologies such as Vibrating Wire, Drive-in and Standpipe piezometers are key tools in Monitel’s tailings dam monitoring. Each of these sensors is easily installed and can be integrated with our cloud-based reporting software.
Vibrating Wire Piezometers
Vibrating Wire Piezometers (VWPS) are designed to measure pore water pressure in soil or rock. As such, they perform very well monitoring tailings dams.
They are constructed of a diaphragm connected to a tensioned wire. Changes in wire tension (caused by diaphragm deflections) are converted into an electrical signal and, in turn, a pressure measurement. The VWP’s measurements are highly accurate, unaffected by issues like cable length, moisture or splicing, making them reliable in saturated soils.
In a dam monitoring project, our team will install a vibrating wire piezometer to monitor stability, capturing real-time data on water pressure changes that may indicate risks like liquefaction. In some cases, we will install multiple sensors at various depths.
VWPs are more than capable of this sort of monitoring. They are durable and perform well during long periods in saturated conditions, critical for site safety and regulatory compliance.
Standpipe Piezometer
Standpipe piezometers are widely used for monitoring pore water pressure in dams.
They are constructed of a slotted pipe with a filter at the measurement point. They measure the water level within the pipe, which reflects any pressure changes in the surrounding soil.
In tailings applications, standpipe piezometers are installed at different depths to track pore water pressure, helping to identify risks such as seepage or increased saturation that could impact stability.
These instruments are known for their durability and cost-effectiveness, providing long-term data on the water conditions of a tailings dam. This data supports safe operations and regulatory compliance and mitigates the risk of dam instability.
Drive-in Piezometer
Drive-in piezometers are robust instruments designed for quick, direct installation into the ground.
With a vibrating wire sensor embedded inside a rugged casing, drive-in piezometers are able to penetrate soft clays and cohesion-less soils. This makes them well-suited for monitoring pore water pressure in compact tailings dams soils.
When monitoring tailings, drive-in piezometers are installed at different depths to capture real-time data on pore pressure within the dam material. This can be essential for detecting changes that could indicate instability or increased liquefaction risk.
The drive-in piezometer’s construction ensures durability and reliability under challenging conditions. It is also resistant to common issues such as cable length and water infiltration. This enables long-term, low-maintenance monitoring of tailings dams, allowing site engineers to track conditions continuously and make timely interventions when necessary.
Our Software
Monitel provides its clients with software that gathers and visualises real-time data, storing it in the cloud for remote access. The software also allows clients to set up alerts should a quick intervention be needed. This data is precise and actionable, positioning clients to make informed decisions about their site.
Enquire Today for More Information About Tailings Dam Sensors in Perth
To ensure compliance and safety on a mine site, you must frequently and thoroughly assess all tailings dams.
Monitel offers a piezometer range designed for dam monitoring, including drive-in, standpipe and vibrating wire piezometers. As a part of a wider geotechnical monitoring system, they can help identify and mitigate liquefaction, seepage and instability.
Our technology-agnostic approach ensures that we select the most suitable and cost-effective solution for you. We are not bound to any brands or technologies and will always choose a sensor ideal for your project.
Make an enquiry below to see how Monitel can tailor a solution for your project.