An Analysis of Geophysical and Temperature Monitoring Data for Leakage Detection of Earth Dam

Both multi-channel temperature monitoring and geophysical electric survey were performed together for an embankment to assess the leakage zone. Temperature variation according to space and time on the inner parts of engineering constructions (e.g.: dam and slope) can be basic information for diagnosing their safety problem. In general, as constructions become superannuated, structural deformation (e.g.: cracks and defects) could be generated by various factors. Seepage or leakage of water through the cracks or defects in old dams will directly cause temperature anomaly. This study shows that the position of seepage or leakage in dam body can be detected by multi-channel temperature monitoring using thermal line sensor. For that matter, diverse temperature monitoring experiments for a leakage physical model were performed in the laboratory. In field application of an old earth fill dam, temperature variations for water depth and for inner parts of boreholes located at downstream slope were measured. Temperature monitoring results for a long time at the bottom of downstream slope of the dam showed the possibility that temperature monitoring can provide the synthetic information about flowing path and quantity of seepage of leakage in dam body. Geophysical data by electrical method are also added to help interpret data.