Interactive 3-Dimensional Modeling of Anchors at Bluestone Dam-Paper

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Bluestone Dam, a 2,060-foot-long concrete gravity dam in West Virginia, has undergone extensive safety modifications following its classification as a Dam Safety Action Classification II project. To preserve construction history and support future safety decisions, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) developed the Bluestone Dam Data Management System (BlueDMS) with Geosyntec Consultants.<br /><br />BlueDMS combines a relational database with 2D and 3D models in MicroStation and GIS. The system integrates LiDAR, survey and bathymetric data, historical drawings, borehole records, instrumentation, and construction documents. A key focus is accurately representing more than 200 high-capacity anchors using downhole survey data. Users can inspect anchor geometry and components, view anchors in relation to dam structures and geology, and access installation details, test results, and related documents. The system also includes web-based maps and 110 cross-sections, which provide practical ways to query and analyze features and geotechnical information.<br /><br />BlueDMS is intended as a long-term, updateable record of the dam’s original construction, modifications, and performance. Engineers can use it to verify that construction meets design requirements, assess whether anchors are appropriately positioned in suitable geology, and plan future modifications while avoiding existing features. Operations and emergency-management staff can use linked instrumentation and operational-status information to identify concerns and make informed decisions, including during flood events.<br /><br />The system provides a shared spatial context for evaluating structural, geological, construction, and monitoring data. It is also intended to connect with a broader USACE tool for monitoring the status of multiple dams. Overall, BlueDMS supports construction verification, risk assessment, ongoing performance monitoring, and future dam-safety planning.
Keywords
Bluestone Dam
BlueDMS
dam safety
USACE
data management system
geotechnical data
LiDAR
3D models
anchor survey
flood monitoring