Guwahati, 27th June 2024 – The Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, in collaboration with Shijay Projects India Private Limited, successfully hosted the International Workshop on Dam Safety 2024. This significant event brought together leading experts, academics, and industry leaders to discuss critical issues and advancements in dam safety.
International Workshop on Dam Safety 2024 at IIT Guwahati
The workshop commenced with registration from 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM, followed by the inaugural session from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM. The introductory talk, featuring distinguished speakers such as Prof. Subashisa Dutta, Prof. S. K. Dwivedy, and Prof. Nisith R. Mandal, set the tone for a comprehensive and informative event. The sessions aimed to enhance dam safety protocols and technologies, fostering a collaborative environment for sharing insights and experiences.
A pivotal session featured a presentation on dam safety legislation and its implications for dam owners by Er. A. B. Pandya, Secretary of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID) and former Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC). Held from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, this discussion highlighted the importance of understanding the legislative landscape and its impact on dam safety management.
The workshop’s key highlight was the panel discussion on enhancing dam safety through advanced monitoring, retrofitting, and rehabilitation strategies, moderated by Prof. Sajal K. Deb of IIT Guwahati and coordinated by Dr. Monjusha Sarmah. The panel, held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, included presentations on critical topics such as the rehabilitation and retrofitting of concrete gravity dams, structural health monitoring, fracture mechanics, and the use of digital twins for dam safety inspection and monitoring. Speakers included Prof. Anjan Dutta, Prof. Arunasis Chakraborty, Prof. K. Darunkumar Singh, and Dr. A. Verma. These presentations underscored the importance of integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance the safety and reliability of dam infrastructure.
The afternoon session, sponsored by Shijay Projects, featured talks from 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM. Topics covered included feasibility studies to detect leakage paths in dams and irrigation tanks using conventional geophysical methods, the relevance of geophysical investigations in dam safety assessment and rehabilitation, and the integration of structural health monitoring for dam safety. Speakers Dr. Ram Raj Mathur, Dr. Chevva Krishnaiah, Mr. Saif Mobin, and Mr. Swapnil Gaurav emphasized the critical role of geophysical and structural monitoring in maintaining dam safety and preventing potential failures. Their insights provided valuable knowledge on how modern technology can be employed to ensure the structural integrity of dams.
The event concluded with a sunset river cruise on the Brahmaputra River, starting at 3:30 PM. This provided attendees with a unique opportunity to relax and continue their discussions in an informal setting, fostering deeper connections and collaborative opportunities.
Events like the International Workshop on Dam Safety are crucial as they serve as platforms for disseminating critical knowledge and fostering collaboration among experts and stakeholders in the field. Dam safety is not only a technical challenge but also a public safety issue, as failures can result in catastrophic consequences, including loss of life, economic damage, and environmental destruction. By bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise, such workshops facilitate the development of comprehensive and effective strategies for dam safety management.
The Technology Innovation Hub at IIT Guwahati has been at the forefront of advancing research and technology in areas critical to infrastructure safety, including dam safety. The hub focuses on developing cutting-edge solutions and fostering innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration and industry partnerships. By integrating research and practical applications, TIH aims to develop robust solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of infrastructure projects.
About Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati: IIT Guwahati is committed to addressing pressing engineering and technological challenges. Through initiatives like the International Workshop on Dam Safety, IIT Guwahati continues to contribute significantly to the development and implementation of advanced safety protocols and technologies. The institution’s dedication to research and innovation has positioned it as a leader in the field, driving progress and setting new standards in dam safety.
Dam safety is a critical aspect of infrastructure management, ensuring that these structures, which hold back significant amounts of water, remain secure and functional. Failures can lead to catastrophic flooding, loss of life, and significant economic damage. The workshop addressed various aspects of dam safety, including legislative frameworks, monitoring techniques, and rehabilitation strategies. Experts discussed the importance of implementing advanced technologies such as digital twins, structural health monitoring systems, and geophysical investigations to prevent failures and extend the life of dams.
About Technology Innovation Hub: The Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Guwahati plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. TIH is dedicated to fostering innovation and development in various technological fields, including cyber-physical systems, which are crucial for monitoring and managing infrastructure like dams. By integrating research and practical applications, TIH aims to develop robust solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of infrastructure projects.
About Shijay Projects India Private Limited: Shijay Projects India Private Limited specializes in comprehensive geophysical surveys for various industries, including mining, civil, infrastructure, telecom, and EPC companies. Their services include Ground Penetrating Radar Survey, Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) Survey, Seismic Refraction Tomography, Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Magnetic Survey, Gravity Survey, and Crosshole/Uphole/Downhole/MASW surveys. They offer structural health monitoring services, enabling continuous monitoring of important parameters such as vibration, tilt, and displacement to identify potential issues in structures like dams, tunnels, highways, and bridges.
About Planys Technologies: Planys Technologies, an IIT Madras incubated startup, specializes in smart underwater inspection solutions for dams and hydro projects. Their solutions are reliable, cost-effective, safe, and accurate, surpassing traditional methods using divers. Planys has successfully completed over 50 dam-related inspections, helping authorities make data-driven decisions for effective repair planning, reducing risks, and providing targeted expenditure insights.
About Unique Group: Founded in 1993, Unique Group provides innovative technology supporting the oil and gas, renewables, defense, research, offshore, and medical industries. With over 600 employees globally, including 200+ engineering specialists, Unique Group operates across 11 countries. They offer products and services in unmanned survey vessels, survey equipment, diving and life support, buoyancy and water weights, lifting and mooring, and bespoke engineering solutions and consulting.
The event was successfully organized and coordinated under the leadership of Prof. S. K. Dwivedy, Prof. Subashisa Dutta, Prof. N. R. Mandal, Dr. Monjusha Sarma, Dr. Ketan Kumar Nandi, and Dr. Sibananda Mohanty.
In conclusion, the International Workshop on Dam Safety 2024 served as a beacon of hope and inspiration, galvanizing stakeholders to collectively champion the cause of dam safety and drive meaningful change in the field. The collaborative efforts of TIH, IIT Guwahati, and industry partners like Shijay Projects are instrumental in creating a safer and more resilient infrastructure landscape. For more information, please contact: rishighose@tih.iitg.ac.in.
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