USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS IN DAM SAFETY MANAGEMENT – A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

uma revisão sistemática de literatura

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61389/geofronter.v11.9219

Keywords:

Sistemas de aeronaves não tripuladas - UAS, Segurança de barragens, Gestão de riscos

Abstract

In recent years, dam safety management has been improved by technological advances. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) have emerged as an effective and cost-effective solution for monitoring and inspections. The use of UAS allows obtaining high-resolution data and reaching areas inaccessible by traditional methods, providing greater efficiency and accuracy in structural assessments and analysis of dam conditions. This study aims to conduct a Systematic Literature Review on the application of UAS in dam safety management, identifying the main methods of using these aircraft for inspection, mapping, analysis and risk management. The research examines the technologies associated with the use of UAS, aiming at preventive and sustainable management of water resources and a rapid response to possible structural failures. The PRISMA method was used to select and analyze 54 academic studies from three databases: Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct. As a result, it was observed that the adoption of the technology represents a significant advance in risk management in dams, in addition to facilitating access to remote areas, enabling early identification of failures and assisting in strategic decision-making. These advantages reinforce the role of UAS as strategic tools in risk management and decision-making focused on dam safety.

Author Biographies

Dalton Messias Batista da Silva, Universidade de Pernambuco

Mestrando do Programa de Engenharia Civil da Escola Politécnica da Universidade de Pernambuco da Escola Politécnica de Pernambuco (Poli/UPE).

Simone Rosa da Silva, Universidade de Pernambuco

She holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (1989), a master's degree in Civil Engineering from the Institute of Hydraulic Research at UFRGS (1993) and a PhD in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on Water Resources and Environmental Technology from the Federal University of Pernambuco (2006). She is currently an Associate Professor at the Polytechnic School of the University of Pernambuco, and a permanent faculty member of the Master's in Civil Engineering. Her main areas of expertise are hydrology, water resources management and dam safety.

Emilia Rahnemay Kohlman Rabbani, Universidade de Pernambuco

She holds a post-doctorate in Civil Engineering from the University of Minho in cooperation with the Israel Institute of Technology - TECHNION (2012), a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA - USA (2000) revalidated in Brazil by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ (2004), a master's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh - USA (1998), a degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Paraíba - UFPB (1996) and a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh - USA (1995). She is currently a permanent professor of the Master's Degree in Civil Engineering at UPE (since 2007), leads the research group Safe and Sustainable Development - DESS registered with CNPq (since 2013) and has served as General Manager of UPE's Stricto Sensu Programs at PROPEGI since 2023. She has experience in Civil Engineering, with an emphasis on transportation safety and sustainability applied to construction.

References

ALEXIOU, Simoni et al. Monitoring and Quantifying Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Rates in Centimeter Accuracy Using UAV-Photogrammetry, GNSS, and t-LiDAR in a Post-Fire Setting. Remote Sensing, v. 16, n. 5, p. 802, 2024.

ALSUMAYT, Albandari et al. Smart flood detection with AI and blockchain integration in Saudi Arabia using drones. Sensors, v. 23, n. 11, p. 5148, 2023.

BOLKAS, Dimitrios et al. Monitoring of a rockfill embankment dam using TLS and sUAS point clouds. Journal of Applied Geodesy, n. 0, 2024.

BUFFI, Giulia et al. Calibration of finite element models of concrete arch-gravity dams using dynamical measures: the case of Ridracoli. Procedia engineering, v. 199, p. 110-115, 2017.

CHEN, Su-Chin; TFWALA, Samkele. Evaluating an optimum slit check dam design by using a 2D unsteady numerical model. In: E3S Web of Conferences. EDP Sciences, 2018. p. 03027.

DARJI, Kishanlal et al. Hydrodynamic modeling of dam breach floods for predicting downstream inundation scenarios using integrated approach of satellite data, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and Google Earth Engine (GEE). Applied Water Science, v. 14, n. 9, p. 187, 2024.

DE HAAS, T. et al. How memory effects, check dams, and channel geometry control erosion and deposition by debris flows. Scientific reports, v. 10, n. 1, p. 14024, 2020.

ELDOSOUKY, AbdelRahman; SAAD, Walid; MANDAYAM, Narayan. Resilient critical infrastructure: Bayesian network analysis and contract-based optimization. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, v. 205, p. 107243, 2021.

ENEA, Andrei; IOSUB, Marina; STOLERIU, Cristian Constantin. A Low-Cost, UAV-Based, Methodological Approach for Morphometric Analysis of Belci Lake Dam Breach, Romania. Water, v. 15, n. 9, p. 1655, 2023.

EVANS, Alexandra D. et al. UAV and structure-from-motion photogrammetry enhance river restoration monitoring: A dam removal study. Drones, v. 6, n. 5, p. 100, 2022.

FENG, Chuncheng et al. Automatic pixel-level crack detection on dam surface using deep convolutional network. Sensors, v. 20, n. 7, p. 2069, 2020.

GÓMEZ-ZURDO, Rubén Sancho et al. Aplicación de la fotogrametría con drones al control deformacional de estructuras y terreno. Informes de la Construcción, v. 73, n. 561, p. e379-e379, 2021.

HARTWIG, Thábata Bierhals; DOS SANTOS, Thierry Mendes; BEMVENUTI, Renata Heidtmann. The principal organizational factors that lead to turnover intention: a systematic literature review. Revista Gestão da Produção Operações e Sistemas, v. 1, 2024.

ISLAM, Md Touhidul et al. Mutual validation of remote hydraulic estimates and flow model simulations using UAV-borne LiDAR and deep learning-based imaging techniques. Results in Engineering, v. 20, p. 101415, 2023.

JESÚS-AZABAL, Manuel; GARCÍA-ALONSO, José; GALÁN-JIMÉNEZ, Jaime. Beyond 5G Satellite Transmission and Indoor UAVs in Dams Monitoring: An Opportunistic Data Collection Strategy for Isolated Rural Areas. IT Professional, v. 26, n. 4, p. 36-41, 2024.

JIANG, Nan et al. A monitoring method integrating terrestrial laser scanning and unmanned aerial vehicles for different landslide deformation patterns. IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, v. 14, p. 10242-10255, 2021.

JIANG, Weiwei et al. Dam periodic storage drives the spatial pattern of vegetation towards banded evolution. Ecological Indicators, v. 155, p. 110937, 2023.

KANG, Joonoh et al. Efficiency Study of Combined UAS Photogrammetry and Terrestrial LiDAR in 3D Modeling for Maintenance and Management of Fill Dams. Remote Sensing, v. 15, n. 8, p. 2026, 2023.

KARIMINEJAD, Narges et al. Combining UAV remote sensing and pedological analyses to better understand soil piping erosion. Geoderma, v. 429, p. 116267, 2023.

KHALOO, Ali et al. Utilizing UAV and 3D computer vision for visual inspection of a large gravity dam. Frontiers in Built Environment, v. 4, p. 386907, 2018.

KRAMER, Matthias; FELDER, Stefan. Remote sensing of aerated flows at large dams: Proof of concept. Remote Sensing, v. 13, n. 14, p. 2836, 2021.

LI, Jianyuan et al. Weak feature crack detection in high-resolution concrete dam surface image with LarkMNet. Measurement, v. 238, p. 115327, 2024.

LIU, Si Min et al. Dam UAV Image Stitching Technology Studies Based on Weak Texture. In: Journal of Physics: Conference Series. IOP Publishing, 2023. p. 012001.

LOZA, Ana Rita Arnaud; FIDÉLIS, Teresa. Literature review on the analysis of climate change risks in the environmental impact assessment of dams. Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, v. 39, n. 4, p. 277-289, 2021.

LUO, Chengcai. Regional mapping method of land acquisition for water conservancy and hydropower construction based on UAV aerial survey. Journal of Measurements in Engineering, v. 11, n. 3, p. 266-277, 2023.

MA, Runsheng et al. Multi-feature supported dam height measurement method for large hydraulic projects using high resolution remote sensing imagery. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, v. 129, p. 103792, 2024.

MARCELINO, J. et al. Structural health monitoring and inspection of dams based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles photogrammetry with image 3D reconstruction. In: Geotechnical Engineering Challenges to Meet Current and Emerging Needs of Society. CRC Press, 2024. p. 1807-1810.

MARTIN, R. Abraham et al. Potential benefits of combining anomaly detection with view planning for UAV infrastructure modeling. Remote Sensing, v. 9, n. 5, p. 434, 2017.

MARTÍNEZ-CARRICONDO, Patricio et al. Combination of HBIM and UAV photogrammetry for modelling and documentation of forgotten heritage. Case study: Isabel II dam in Níjar (Almería, Spain). Heritage Science, v. 9, n. 1, p. 95, 2021.

MUNIR, M. D. et al. Evaluation of Sabo Infrastructure Using UAV/Drone Technology for Monitoring and Inspection Data (Case Study: Sabo Dam Bakalan, Cangkringan District, Sleman). In: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. IOP Publishing, 2024. p. 012020.

OKESON, Trent J. et al. Achieving Tiered Model Quality in 3D Structure from Motion Models Using a Multi-Scale View-Planning Algorithm for Automated Targeted Inspection. Sensors, v. 19, n. 12, p. 2703, 2019.

OUMA, Yashon O. et al. Prediction of Turbidity and TDS in Dam Reservoir from Multispectral UAV-Drone and Sentinel-2 Image Sensors Using Machine Learning Models. In: GISTAM. 2024. p. 97-104.

PAGE, Matthew J. et al. Declaración PRISMA 2020: una guía actualizada para la publicación de revisiones sistemáticas. Revista española de cardiología, v. 74, n. 9, p. 790-799, 2021.

PAGLIARI, D. et al. Measuring the volume of flushed sediments in a reservoir using multi-temporal images acquired with UAS. Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, v. 8, n. 1, p. 150-166, 2017.

PARK, DongSoon; YOU, Hojun. A digital twin dam and watershed management platform. Water, v. 15, n. 11, p. 2106, 2023.

PENG, Zhangjun et al. A Comprehensive Survey on Visual Perception Methods for Intelligent Inspection of High Dam Hubs. Sensors, v. 24, n. 16, p. 5246, 2024.

PINTO, Milena F. et al. A robotic cognitive architecture for slope and dam inspections. Sensors, v. 20, n. 16, p. 4579, 2020.

PRAKASH, Guru et al. Recent advancement of concrete dam health monitoring technology: A systematic literature review. In: Structures. Elsevier, 2022. p. 766-784.

REZK, M. Y.; MOHAMED, N. H.; NAGY, N. M. Structural health monitoring with UAV. In: International Conference on Aerospace Sciences and Aviation Technology. The Military Technical College, 2023. p. 1-9.

RIDOLFI, Elena; MANCIOLA, Piergiorgio. Water level measurements from drones: A pilot case study at a dam site. Water, v. 10, n. 3, p. 297, 2018.

SHENG, L. Y.; AZHARI, A. W.; IBRAHIM, A. H. Unmanned aerial vehicle for eutrophication process monitoring in Timah Tasoh Dam, Perlis, Malaysia. In: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. IOP Publishing, 2021. p. 012057.

SIMPLICIO, Paulo VG; PEREIRA, Guilherme AS. Mission planning for photogrammetry-based autonomous 3D Mapping of Dams using a commercial UAV. In: 2024 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS). IEEE, 2024. p. 464-471.

SPERO, Hannah R. et al. Drones, virtual reality, and modeling: communicating catastrophic dam failure. International Journal of Digital Earth, v. 15, n. 1, p. 585-605, 2022.

STRELNIKOVA, Dariia et al. Drone-based optical measurements of heterogeneous surface velocity fields around fish passages at hydropower dams. Remote Sensing, v. 12, n. 3, p. 384, 2020.

SU, Shan et al. Multi-Level Hazard Detection Using a UAV-Mounted Multi-Sensor for Levee Inspection. Drones, v. 8, n. 3, p. 90, 2024.

WANG, Cuizhen; SASANAKUL, Inthuorn; BROWN, Herrick. sUAS Remote Sensing for Closed-canopy Tree Inventory on Earthen Dams. GI_Forum 2021, v. 9, p. 5-12.

WANG, Dejiang; SHU, Huazhen. Accuracy analysis of three-dimensional modeling of a multi-level UAV without control points. Buildings, v. 12, n. 5, p. 592, 2022.

WANG, Guoyang et al. Coastal dam inundation assessment for the Yellow River Delta: Measurements, analysis and scenario. Remote sensing, v. 12, n. 21, p. 3658, 2020.

WANG, Kun et al. 3D numerical modelling of tailings dam breach run out flow over complex terrain: A multidisciplinary procedure. Water, v. 12, n. 9, p. 2538, 2020.

WU, Yang et al. LCA-YOLOv8-Seg: an improved lightweight YOLOv8-Seg for real-time pixel-level crack detection of dams and bridges. Applied Sciences, v. 13, n. 19, p. 10583, 2023.

WU, Zihao et al. Enhanced Precision in Dam Crack Width Measurement: Leveraging Advanced Lightweight Network Identification for Pixel‐Level Accuracy. International Journal of Intelligent Systems, v. 2023, n. 1, p. 9940881, 2023.

YIN, Han et al. Rapid compaction monitoring and quality control of embankment dam construction based on UAV photogrammetry technology: A case study. Remote Sensing, v. 15, n. 4, p. 1083, 2023.

ZARE, Masoud et al. A Review of Tailings Dam Safety Monitoring Guidelines and Systems. Minerals, v. 14, n. 6, p. 551, 2024.

ZHANG, Rongchun et al. A Slope Structural Plane Extraction Method Based on Geo-AINet Ensemble Learning with UAV Images. Remote Sensing, v. 15, n. 5, p. 1441, 2023.

ZHAO, Haimeng et al. Intelligent Segmentation and Change Detection of Dams Based on UAV Remote Sensing Images. Remote Sensing, v. 15, n. 23, p. 5526, 2023.

ZHAO, Sizeng; KANG, Fei; LI, Junjie. Intelligent segmentation method for blurred cracks and 3D mapping of width nephograms in concrete dams using UAV photogrammetry. Automation in Construction, v. 157, p. 105145, 2024.

ZHI, Meihong et al. Analysis of Storage Capacity Change and Dam Failure Risk for Tailings Ponds Using WebGIS-Based UAV 3D Image. Sustainability, v. 15, n. 19, p. 14062, 2023.

ZHU, Yantao; TANG, Hongwu. Automatic damage detection and diagnosis for hydraulic structures using drones and artificial intelligence techniques. Remote Sensing, v. 15, n. 3, p. 615, 2023.

Downloads

Published

2025-05-07

How to Cite

Silva, D. M. B. da, Silva, S. R. da, & Rabbani, E. R. K. (2025). USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS IN DAM SAFETY MANAGEMENT – A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW: uma revisão sistemática de literatura. GEOFRONTER, 11, e9219. https://doi.org/10.61389/geofronter.v11.9219

Issue

Vol. 11 (2025)

Section

Artigos

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Os autores concedem à revista GEFRONTER os direitos autorais sobre o texto aceito para publicação. Autorizações especiais podem ser concedidas mediante aceite do editor do periódico.