In this study, the first hardfill dam in Turkey, Cindere Dam, is evaluated regarding current and alternative measurement systems in detail. Cindere Dam is a notable project, especially with its height as an example of hardfill dam, not only in Turkey but also in the world. First, the current instrumentation system of Cindere Dam is evaluated as a whole with reference to the parameters measured, instruments and data acquisition system. Second, an alternative instrumentation system is developed by using additional parameter and instruments to the current instrumentation system. Furthermore, each instrumentation system equipped with manual and automatic data acquisition systems is considered. The comparison between the current and the alternative instrumentation systems are also carried out in terms of technical and economical feasibility aspects. Although, the current instrumentation system is found to be satisfactory, it is observed that the alternative system promotes the current system in various aspects without increasing the cost significantly.

Dams are important large structures providing vital benefits to human life. These strategic structures are necessary in order to supply water and energy and to control floods. Moreover, dams have important roles in regional development and national economy. Thus, the design of dams deserves rigorous studies. Deterministic approach may be acceptable for design of dams and may satisfy safety requirements if large safety factors are used. However, such an approach will not be cost-effective in economic terms. High safety factors utilized in deterministic approaches necessitates large dimensions. One remedy for this overestimation is integrating statistical information and techniques, such as Monte-Carlo simulations into the analysis and design of dams. Probabilistic approaches may result in more economical and reasonable designs. CADAM is a software program which allows the user to analyze dams using Monte-Carlo simulation technique. Uncertainties associated with tensile strength, peak cohesion, peak friction coefficient, normal upstream reservoir elevation, drain efficiency and horizontal peak ground acceleration are incorporated into stability and stress analysis using Monte-Carlo simulations. In this thesis, utilization of CADAM software is demonstrated on a case study. Cindere dam is evaluated in terms of structural safety

In mining industry, waste storage is a very prominent issue / in this respect, safety of storage structures is one of the leading problems in the industry. Most of the tailings dams require remedial measures, throughout their lifespan to increase their reliability. The objective of the study is to investigate stability problems of formerly constructed but newly raised Eti Copper Mine tailings dam and alternative dam geometries for future raises. Plenty of methods were developed to analyze the reliability of structures / limit equilibrium methods, finite element methods and finite difference methods are among them. In this case, stability of the dam was analyzed with finite element method under static loading conditions. In order to determine input parameters properly, disturbed samples obtained at the field investigations were used. For this purpose, several laboratory experiments were conducted to determine natural moisture content, grain size distribution, specific gravity, Atterberg limits, maximum dry density and shear strength parameters of tailings and embankment material.

Reservoirs and dams are often situated in the mountains upstream of cities and towns. This implies a theoretical but difficult to evaluate hazard potential for downstream communities. This paper reflects experiences of the related safety analysis practice including the steps from the breach estimation towards the drawing of special hazard maps.