Application of Combined Geophysical Methods for the Examination of a Water Dam Subsoil

Abstract

The paper presents the results of geophysical measurements that were carried out in the vicinity of the water dam/water reservoir supplying the city of Bielsko-Biala with drinking water. The measurements were performed in order to non-invasively detect faults, fractured zones and areas filled with breccia, which may be, at the same time, a preferential path of groundwater flow. The aforementioned factors influence the stability of the dam. The general identification of the examined media was realized by the electrical resistivity tomography method. The ERT surveys were supplemented by capacitively-coupled resistivity. The electrical methods allowed them to recognize geological settings, indicate possible fault locations, and point out the fault plane as a path of water flow. The ground penetrating radar method detected fractured and filled water areas and underground water paths in the dam’s forefield as a result of the method’s very high resolution. The high resolution seismic reflection method provided a clear and high resolution image of the relatively deep geological structure and verified a location and the run of the faults. In general, the complex geophysical-geological interpretation enabled classification of the unconsolidated/fractured zones associated with faults as a place where the erosion process is the most intense and can bring danger on the dam. Finally, it was confirmed that the area should be the subject of geophysical monitoring.

Assessment of Seepage in an Embankment Dam Using Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic and Geoelectrical Methods

“…Integration of different methods is desirable in geophysical investigation so that the results of one method may resolve the ambiguity arising from those of the other(s) and hence enhance the quality of the interpretation [7,10].…”

“…Geophysical methods are generally employed in damsite feasibility studies involving foundation investigation, geological and structural mapping of both embankment and reservoir floor. The methods are non-invasive, faster and cheaper than other direct investigative methods [7,8,9,10]. They are also applied during and after the construction phase to delineate subsurface geological sequences, and reveal lithological variation(s) which may threaten structural integrity in the dam.…”

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

“…Geophysical techniques have been widely utilized for dam safety assessments over the past several decades. Numerous authors have employed various geophysical methods to investigate the subsurface conditions of dams to identify potential issues that may compromise their safety ( [13][14][15][16]). For instance, the self-potential (SP) method exploits the electrical voltage generated by flowing water through porous materials.…”

Comprehensive assessment of water management situation in the water bodies of Simferopol

“…Besides, according to a number of scientists, it is necessary to conduct regular monitoring of these water facilities technical condition, as this allows for timely implementation of management decisions, aimed at ensuring their sustainable functioning. This is the conclusion that Fomenko I., Dinh H., Kozlov D. V., Yurchenko A. N., Golebiowski T., Piwakowski B., Ekram A. R. M., Kong F., Prieto C. J. L., Martinez-Alegria L. R., Abu-Abdullah M. M., Youssef A. M., Du L.-Y., Wang Z. L. and many others came to in their publications [16][17][18][19][20][21][22].…”