Applying IoT technology to monitor the displacement of hydropower dam bodies: International experience and development directions in Vietnam

Abstract

Monitoring dam displacement is a crucial task in ensuring the safety of hydropower projects against the impacts of hydrology, weather, and material aging. This paper presents a comprehensive and in-depth study on the application of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in monitoring hydropower dam displacement. It analyzes typical IoT system architectures and specialized sensors, while also evaluating successful implementation experiences in countries such as Brazil, the United States, China, and Colombia. Based on this, the paper analyzes the current state of digital technology application in reservoir management in Vietnam, highlighting initial achievements, existing challenges, and proposing future development directions such as integrating artificial intelligence (AI), digital twin models, and establishing a unified standards framework. Diagrams and graphs are included to visually illustrate the system architecture, compare effectiveness, and outline development trends. Research results show that IoT has been creating a strong shift from periodic monitoring to continuous, real-time monitoring, significantly improving the capacity for assessing the safety of structures and should be promoted for application in Vietnam.