Geodetic deformation monitoring of Ataturk Dam in Turkey

Dams are among the most important engineering structures used for water supply, flood control, agricultural uses, and hydroelectric power. Monitoring of dams is crucial since deformation might have occurred as a result of erosion, water load, hydraulic gradients, and water saturation. This research provides information about the deformation monitoring techniques. A case study was conducted on Ataturk Dam, the largest dam of Turkey constructed on FA +/- rat River, to determine the magnitude and the direction of radial deformations that took place between 2006 and 2010. At the end of analyses, decreasing radial movement velocity was determined generally. Monthly average radial velocity of the last period which consists 6 months is 2.2 mm. As a result of the study, no significant correlation was determined between radial movements on embankment and reservoir water level.