Monitoring of deformations occurring in dam body filling process with GNSS, problems encountered and solution suggestions (example of Gömükan Dam)

In order to ensure the structural and functional safety of dams, the safety of life and property, and to provide resources for similar projects in the future, the behavior of the dam against the loads affecting it must be presented within the logic of an information system. For this reason, dams must be constantly monitored and inspected in terms of safety before construction, during construction, and during operation. In this study, the deformations that occurred during the dam body filling process were monitored with GNSS, the encountered problems and solution suggestions were examined with the help of measurements made during the Gömükan Dam body filling construction process. During the body filling, object points in the form of concrete blocks were established on the dam body and data was collected by taking measurements at certain intervals at these points while the dam construction was ongoing. In this study, dual frequency GNSS receiver was used, and point coordinates were determined as Datum: ITRF-96 Zone Central Meridian: 39-3 degrees using TUSAGA-Aktif stations and static measurement method regardless of the base length. The measurements were first evaluated within themselves and the horizontal and vertical deformations that occurred were determined, and then it was examined whether these data were compatible with the project parameters. While the measurements for this research were continuing, the Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes occurred on February 6, 2023, and our study area, the Gömükan Dam and its surroundings, were also significantly affected by these earthquakes. The effects of the earthquake on the dam body were examined with the measurements made after the earthquake. A shift of approximately 1.6 m west and 0.07 m south was observed throughout the body. The findings obtained were evaluated by comparing them with the deformations detected in the "6 February Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes Report" published by TMMOB. As a result of the measurements and evaluations made, the results of the deformations that occurred during the body filling, the problems encountered during the work process and the ideas and suggestions for the solution of these problems were included in the research.