A Case Study of Self‐Potential Detection of Seepage at the Junction of Two Embankment Dams

Tchoumkam, Linda Armelle Nzumotcha; Chouteau, Michel; Giroux, Bernard; Rivard, Patrice; Saleh, Kaveh; Côté, Alain

doi:10.4133/1.3445424

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…By measuring these voltage variations, researchers can gain valuable information about the hydraulic regime within the dam, which is crucial for detecting and characterizing seepage. Studies by [17][18][19] have demonstrated the effectiveness of the SP method in identifying and characterizing seepage in embankment dams. The electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method measures the electrical resistivity/conductivity of the subsurface by galvanic coupling, allowing researchers to visualize variations in the dam's composition and identify potential anomalies such as weak zones, cracks, or excessive moisture.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geophysical Characterization and Seepage Detection of the Chimney Rock Dam Embankment Near Salina, Oklahoma

Adetokunbo,

Ismail,

Mewafy

et al. 2024

Water

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The operator of Chimney Rock Dam observed the emergence of increasing seepage at the toe of the dam when the water level in the reservoir exceeded a particular elevation. However, the source and the pathways of the seepage were not identified. To address this issue, integrated geophysical methods were employed to delineate the different units of the dam embankment and identify potential seepage zones and pathways. The methods utilized in this study included electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), self-potential (SP), and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). The ERT profiles revealed variations in the dam’s fill properties, including areas with anomalously low resistivity, interpreted as zones of relatively high moisture content. The two long SP profiles conducted along the dam embankment displayed similar spatial correlations with these low-resistivity zones, suggesting potential preferential seepage pathways. The SP map generated from a suite of parallel SP profiles conducted over the abutment depicts a pattern of positive background and negative potential anomalies, which may suggest fluid movement or seepage potential. The MASW profile along the top of the dam characterized an upper low shear-wave velocity layer corresponding to the top dry section of the embankment underlain by a higher shear-wave velocity layer, interpreted as saturated zone. The utilized geophysical methods successfully characterized the different materials of the embankment and identified zones of potential seepage.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geophysical Characterization and Seepage Detection of the Chimney Rock Dam Embankment Near Salina, Oklahoma

Adetokunbo,

Ismail,

Mewafy

et al. 2024

Water

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“…This electrical potential anomaly can be sampled at the ground surface with a pair of non-polarizing electrodes (one used as a reference) and high input-impedance voltmeter. This method has been broadly used for the detection of seepages in embankments (e.g., Nzumotcha-Tchoumkam et al, 2010). However other sources of current exist in the subsurface (e.g., associated with the corrosion of metallic bars and ores, Mendonça, 2008) and can make the interpretation of selfpotential signals more difficult (Revil et al, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Induced polarization tomography applied to the detection and the monitoring of leaks in embankments

Abdulsamad

Revil

Ahmed

et al. 2019

Engineering Geology

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During an induced polarization survey, both electrical conductivity and chargeability can be imaged. Recent petrophysical models have been developed to provide a consistent picture of these two parameters in terms of water and clay contents of soils. We test the ability of this method at a test site in which a controlled artificial leakage can be generated in an embankment surrounding an experimental basin. 3D tomography of the conductivity and normalized chargeability are performed during such a controlled leakage. Conductivity and induced polarization measurements were also performed on a core sample from the site. The sample was also characterized in terms of porosity and cation exchange capacity. Combining the 3D survey and these laboratory measurements, a 3D tomogram of the relative variation in water content (before leakage and during leakage) was estimated. It clearly exhibits the ground water flow path through the embankment from the outlet of the tube used to generate the leak to the bottom of the embankment. In addition, a self-potential survey was performed over the zone of leakage. This survey evidences also the projection of the ground water flow path over the ground surface. Both methods are found to provide a consistent picture. A 2.5D time lapse tomography of the electrical conductivity and normalized chargeability was also performed and evidences the position of the preferential flow paths below the profile. These results confirm the ability and efficiency of induced polarization to provide reliable information pertaining to the detection of leakages in dams and embankments.

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A Case Study of Self‐Potential Detection of Seepage at the Junction of Two Embankment Dams

Cited by 2 publications

References 3 publications

Geophysical Characterization and Seepage Detection of the Chimney Rock Dam Embankment Near Salina, Oklahoma

Geophysical Characterization and Seepage Detection of the Chimney Rock Dam Embankment Near Salina, Oklahoma

Induced polarization tomography applied to the detection and the monitoring of leaks in embankments

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