Our Services

Dam Break and Consequence Analysis

Safety Inspections, Compliance and Reporting

Risk, SFAIRP and ALARP Assessments.

3D Asset and Geological Modelling

Advanced Data Analytics and Surveillance

Specialist Capability

We offer specialist services across the full range of a dams lifecycle. Being core dams engineers we either have the tools, or can give you the right advice for all aspects associated with dams and their safety. Our services range from portfolio management and framework development to structural or geotechnical investigation and analysis all backed by a practical consequence assessment and strong understanding of contemporary risk assessment and application of SFAIRP and ALARP principles.

We offset custom, in-house geological modelling, bringing state of the art capability, as well as advanced systems for analysing and displaying complex data, in any form including automation in 3D space. See the snapshot of our capability below:

Explore our diverse experience portfolio, demonstrating our extensive capabilities in contemporary dams management, analysis and design...

3D Digital Twin and Geotechnical Modelling of Dams and Appurtenant Structures.

With over 15 years of development, we offer class-leading 3D models of dams, geotechnical structures, and foundations—specifically built for dam safety-related tasks.

Built on the powerful 3D CAD platform Rhino 8 and its advanced parametric interface, we have developed a suite of specialized plugins for a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to:

• Digitizing and representing intrusive ground investigations, including boreholes, test pits, CPT testing, SPT testing, and more.

• Creating detailed 3D foundation models that clearly define key foundation zones.

• Digitizing asset data from drawings, extrusions, and the construction of 3D digital twins.

• Integrating instrumentation data with 3D models, including location, coordinates, open zones, and measurement ranges.

• Animating surveillance data over time for dynamic visualization.

With robust data-handling capabilities, a passion for research and design, and a highly flexible modelling environment, we can produce and automate almost any task. Our work has been featured in several ANCOLD/NZSOLD papers and has earned multiple industry accolades and awards.

Like to know more? See our modelling capability statement by clicking HERE.

Risk Assessment, SFAIRP and ALARP Assessments.

We are passionate about risk assessment and the practical application of ALARP and SFAIRP frameworks. Our experience comes from the ground up—rooted in managing surveillance and risk assessment programs from an owner’s perspective. We understand first-hand how challenging it can be to interpret complex risk assessments and identify the critical unknowns and assumptions that drive key asset management decisions.

That’s why we take a different approach to risk assessment. We believe risk assessments should be visual and easy to follow. From sketching key failure modes and tagging critical inputs to building clear event trees, we prioritize clarity at every stage. This approach enhances expert elicitation, speeds up interpretation, and—most importantly—makes it easier to identify the unknowns that underpin your most critical decisions.

To support this, we have developed specialized tools for auditing input data, identifying key gaps, and tracking those gaps through event trees. This gives asset owners better, more actionable data for making informed decisions about critical infrastructure management.

Combined with our strong technical expertise in geotechnical and structural failure modes, we deliver cost-effective, comprehensive, and—above all—clear risk assessment advice for dams of any size.

Like to know more? See how we present risk data better by clicking HERE.

Instrumentation Data Analysis and Surveillance Processing

We offer state-of-the-art data analysis, processing, and visualization for dams and dam safety-related instrumentation—including custom-designed systems for animating large, time-based datasets in 3D space.

With a strong foundation in Risk-Based Surveillance across multiple hydropower and water management organizations in Australia, we not only understand how to combine and analyze data to detect slow-burn trends but also relate that data back to core failure modes. This allows us to provide valuable insights on blind spots, measurement ranges, and the reliability of systems under a variety of conditions.

We are highly experienced in the development of instrumentation frameworks for use across a large portfolio, the application of Risk Based Surveillance (RBS) and integration of ALARP and SFAIRP principles for large water managers around Australia.

Like to know more? See our modelling capability statement by clicking HERE.

Geotechnical Investigations, Specifications and Delivery

At Dam Safety Consulting, we understand geotechnical investigations—from planning and preparing specifications to tendering and managing the delivery of complex projects. With hands-on experience across major drilling operations and instrumentation installations, we’ve supervised everything from small mobile scout rigs to 30-ton sonic rigs, tailoring approaches to meet the unique challenges of each site.

We recognize the complexities of ground investigations, especially when working on live assets where safety, accuracy, and efficiency are paramount. Our team has direct experience with near real-time modelling of subsurface conditions as core is drilled, allowing for dynamic adjustments to investigation programs based on emerging data. This adaptive approach supports risk assessments and provides critical inputs for design, ensuring investigations deliver not only data—but actionable insights.

Whether it’s a routine investigation or a highly specialized drilling program, we bring a practical, adaptable, and risk-focused approach to every project—ensuring our clients get the information they need to make informed, confident decisions.

Safety Assessments, Compliance and Reporting

We bring a wealth of experience in dam safety assessments, compliance, and reporting. With over 300 dams inspected and analyzed, our team has extensive expertise in delivering Intermediate Inspections, Comprehensive Surveillance Reviews, and Dam Safety Assessments. We understand the complexities of dam safety and work closely with asset owners to provide practical, accurate, and timely solutions that meet both regulatory requirements and operational needs.

Our capabilities go beyond routine assessments. With a strong foundation in risk assessment, advanced instrumentation expertise, and specialized knowledge in Risk-Based Surveillance, and SFAIRP/ALARP principles, we deliver comprehensive insights that help clients make informed decisions. From identifying potential failure modes to interpreting complex data, we ensure that our assessments not only meet compliance standards but also enhance long-term asset performance and safety.

Dam Break and Consequence Assessment

With 15+ years of industry experience, we offer extensive expertise in dam break and consequence assessments for dams of all sizes. Our team has worked across asset owner and consulting roles, having conducted or reviewed hundreds of assessments for dams ranging from 2 to 240 meters in height.

This broad experience allows us to quickly identify practical, cost-effective methods for determining consequence categories, ensuring a balanced approach to managing risk and cost—particularly for smaller assets.

For larger dams, we partner with industry leaders like HARC to deliver specialized expertise and tailored solutions, ensuring that every project—no matter the scale—receives the highest standard of service.

If you are a small dam owner, and need to know more about the process - be sure to check out our Layman's Guide on Consequence Category Assessment for Small Dams - on the Advice for Small Owners page.