Seepage Investigation Using Geophysical Techniques at Coursier Lake Dam, B.C., Canada

Using Geophysics to Assess the Condition of Small Embankment Dams

“…Past investigations employing vertical electrical soundings (VES) have provided useful information in seepage studies (Abu-Zeid 1994, Butler and Llopis 1990, Gourry and Moldoveanu 1997, Panthulu et al 2001, Sirles 1997, Titov et al 2000. However, the method is unable to take into account horizontal changes in the subsurface, which is a limiting factor during the interpretation process.…”

“…The SP method is a cost-effective passive technique that has found an increasing role in geotechnical investigations and has successfully located seepage paths within embankment dams, levees, and reservoir systems (Al-Saigh et al 1994, Black and Corwin 1984, Butler 1984, Butler and Llopis 1990, Butler et al 1989, Corwin 1989, Furgerson et al 1997, Markiewicz 1984, Nickels et al 1991, Panthulu et al 2001, Payne and Corwin 1999, Sirles 1997, Sjostrom and Hotchkiss 1996, Taylor and Lange 1999, Titov et al 2000. The increasing role of SP has initiated research on SP algorithms to quantify flow volume and to develop the SP technique as a comprehensive investigative tool in seepage assessment projects (Sheffer and Howie 2003).…”

“…For seepage investigations, resistivity targets generally include fracture zones and solution features created through preferred seepage paths. Resistivity profiling is a primary method used in seepage investigations and has successfully delineated seepage paths in past studies (Butler and Llopis 1990, Karastathis et al 2002, Panthulu et al 2001, Sirles 1997). …”