Abstract

This article comprehensively evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of automating the main geotechnical instruments used to monitor dams. Geotechnical instrumentation plays a fundamental role in characterizing the performance and maintaining the safety of the structure. With the advance of technology and the updating of dam regulations, there has been a trend towards the automation of geotechnical instruments. The automation of this monitoring process generates several benefits, such as the ability to collect data in real time, improving the accuracy, efficiency and reliability of information acquisition. However, the article also highlights the disadvantages, such as the high cost of implementation and operational complexity. Based on a literature review, this study looks at: i) the main geotechnical instruments; ii) Brazilian legislation and standards for monitoring; and iii) the advantages and disadvantages of automating instrumentation. Understanding the trends and limitations of technological evolution is essential for the effective application of geotechnical instrumentation in dams.