“From Paper to Cloud”: How Digital Tools are Revolutionizing Dam Project Data Management

Dam construction and remediation projects generate vast quantities of data. All information must be meticulously tracked, analyzed, catalogued, and submitted to the proper stakeholders to ensure safe construction, compliance with design intent, and efficient execution of the work. Traditional data collection involves hundreds or even thousands of hand-written records and checklists, which must be deciphered and manually digitized to verify work outcomes. This process is time-consuming and leaves much room for error. To maximize quality and efficiency while minimizing errors, we deployed a robust Data Management Program. By utilizing digital tools and cloud-based automation, we optimized the Quality Assurance program on the Gross Reservoir Expansion (GRE) Project. The GRE project is a large-scale dam raise located near Denver, Colorado, designed to increase the capacity of Gross Reservoir by raising the existing dam 131 ft using Roller Compacted Concrete (RCC). Given the complex nature of the project, extensive data management and post-processing were required to ensure quality construction. We eliminated the need for paper records by implementing source-to-source data collection. Contractor data was exported in raw form and automatically collected via cloud-based automation. We also built customized mobile applications for inspections, which sends checklist results directly to a cloud database. Data visualization occurs in real-time, and interactive dashboards track status and automatically reflect the updated database, allowing stakeholders to interact with the data to gain insights. Document generation and distribution were also automated, streamlining reporting and filing processes and directly impacting regulatory site audits. This paper will expand on these tools and solutions to provide greater insight on their purpose, use, and execution and illustrate the benefits of an efficient data management program on large-scale dam projects.