Reservoir Spillway Survey Supports Remedial Maintenance Planning
Published on by Toni Abrahams
Survey Solutions was commissioned by an environmental consultancy, acting on behalf of a multidisciplinary engineering firm, to undertake a comprehensive dimensional survey of an existing reservoir spillway and its surrounding area.
The survey formed a key part of the data collection required to support the design of a planned remedial maintenance programme for the ageing spillway infrastructure. By providing an accurate representation of the structure’s existing condition, the survey enabled the design team to progress confidently while reducing the need for repeated site visits.
The Challenge
Although the reservoir operator had drained the spillway during the week before the survey, the structure remained unsafe to access. Significant algae growth and accumulated silt created hazardous underfoot conditions, preventing the survey team from entering the spillway and collecting data using conventional methods.
Despite these restrictions, the project required complete and accurate coverage of the spillway geometry, with sufficient detail to support engineering design.
Our Approach
To capture the required information safely without compromising data quality, the survey team developed a remote methodology combining terrestrial laser scanning and uncrewed aerial vehicle technology.
A high-precision 3D laser scanner was used to capture dense survey data from safe positions along the sides of the spillway. A tripod-mounted winch system allowed the scanner to be positioned where required while supporting safe working practices.
To complement the terrestrial survey and record areas that could not be observed from ground level, a specialist UAV team conducted an aerial survey of the structure. Combining the laser-scanning and aerial data produced a complete and precise 3D representation of the spillway and its surroundings without requiring direct access to the hazardous structure.
The Outcome
The team successfully delivered a comprehensive survey dataset that met the design team’s requirements while maintaining safe site operations throughout the project.
The integrated survey approach provided a detailed digital record of the spillway, enabling engineers to assess its condition accurately and progress the planned remedial maintenance works.
The final deliverables included a fully registered 3D point cloud and 2D CAD drawings, providing reliable survey information to support the next stage of the project.
