Research of concrete dam leakage detection based on anomaly current field of reservoir water

• Published in: Journal of applied geophysics Vol. 160; pp. 242 - 253
• Main Authors: Meng, Yongdong, Fang, Yixiaosuo, Wan, Miao, Su, Qingming, Tian, Bin, Tong, Fuguo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.01.2019
• Subjects: Concrete dam; Current field; Engineering safety; Leakage detection; Leakage detection; Engineering safety; Current field; Concrete dam
• ISSN: 0926-9851; 1879-1859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2018.11.016

It's vital to determine the placement of the leakage inlets in the dam upstream face, because dam leakage usually results in engineering hazards such as increase in uplift pressure and aggravating frost-heaving and freeze-thaw damage. According to the numerical simulation of the constant electric field present around the concrete dam body, we analyzed the relationship between local potential difference (current density) and leakage areas, and the influence of low-resistance material on the detection of leakage areas. Numerical simulations show that under the on-site data of potential difference, we can detect inlets in the dam's upstream face successfully. This paper attempts to propose a field detection method to detect dam leakage inlets. This new technique and theoretical basis in operational testing and safety management can be applied to concrete dams. Practical application proves that leakage areas can be recognized accurately, and the results agree well with existing hydraulic observation data and geological information. We suggest that the electrical current field detection of reservoir water leakage areas can be used as a reasonable and effective method to detect concrete dam leakage. •A method of non-destructive testing of dam seepage is proposed.•Similarity of No Vortex Flow Field and Constant Current Field and the establishment of Current field mathematical model•The effect of leakage entrance and low resistivity on the current density of X, Y and Z axes is quite different.•The method has been used to detect the leakage of Huilong Pumped-storage Power Station and we have gained a reliable result.