USE OF UAV AS A TOOL FOR DAM AUSCULTATION

Abstract

This study explores the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) integrated with digital aerophotogrammetry as a tool for the auscultation of earth dams, focusing on the Chasqueiro Dam, located in southern Rio Grande do Sul. Using a rotary-wing UAV equipped with a high-resolution camera, cartographic products such as orthomosaics and Digital Surface Models (DSM) were generated, enabling the identification of critical elements such as piezometers and gullies on the downstream slope that were not detected during visual inspections. The data analysis allowed for the evaluation of the variability of slope inclinations and the conditions of the dam crest, confirming that its width and elevation are adequate for structural stability. The use of techniques such as georeferencing through materialized control points and processing with specialized software demonstrated high precision and efficiency in monitoring. This method proved to be a safe, fast, and cost-effective alternative compared to conventional approaches. It is concluded that employing advanced technologies in dams can mitigate the risks of structural failures and significantly improve monitoring and maintenance practices. Continued research is recommended to integrate additional sensors to expand and refine structural and environmental analyses.