Dam leakage detection by borehole radar: A case-history study

Abstract

A borehole radar investigation was performed at the Sanzuodian reservoir, Chifeng, China to assess possible leakage paths located in the deep dam foundation. The key methodologies used include both single-hole reflection and cross-hole radar tomography, which make a high-resolution identification of the hydraulic connection paths between upstream and downstream sides possible. The leakage paths are characterized by direct wave loss due to high electromagnetic attenuation in the single-hole reflection profile and the nearly horizontal-banded low-velocity zone in the cross-hole velocity tomography due to possible large internal erosion. Meanwhile, some small structures inside the dam, including the core wall thickness changing point, the connecting point between asphalt and concrete walls, and the contacting interface between the dry and the water-saturated formations can be identified from the single-hole reflection profile clearly. Interpreted leakage paths are proven by the water flow measurement. Borehole radar is a useful high-resolution tool, suitable for deep leakage detection and evaluation.