Detection of seepage paths in earth dams

using self-potential and electrical

resistivity methods
By T.V. Panthulu, C. Krishnaiah, J.M. Shirke

Presented by
Prateek Jha
Geophysical Technology
14410017
Outline
 Introduction

 Study Area and Geology

 Methodology

 Field Procedure

 Interpretation

 Result

 Conclusion

 References
 Introduction
1. Dams are designed to operate under steady state seepage. Anomalous
seepage may be a threat to the integrity of the structure.

2. In spite of advances made in the fields of geotechnical engineering, it is not

possible to have 100% leak-proof structure.

3. Any excessive and unplanned seepage may lead to the failure of the dam,
especially in unconsolidated or fractured terrains.

4. Utilisation of electrical methods for delineation of seepage zones at Saddle

dams of the Som-Kamla-Amba project.

5. Electrical resistivity method was used to delineate zones favourable for

seepage, whereas, self-potential (SP) method was used to delineate the
seepage paths.
 Study Area and Geology
• The main dam is, near the village
Kamla-Amba across river Som,
Dungarpur District, Rajasthan.

• In order to raise the reservoir level

without extending the reservoir area,
four Saddle dams were also
constructed.

• Seepage was observed at Saddle

dams no.1 and 3 on their downstream
central and right side portions,
respectively.

• The project is located on Basal Aravalli formations,

consisting of quartzite. Figure: Topographic map of the Som-Kamla-
Amba project, Rajastan, India

• Boreholes were drilled at Saddle dam no. 1 and Saddle dam no. 3. Weathered, jointed and
bedding planes and highly pervious open joints were encountered respectively.
Methodology
1. Two methods were employed for field measurements: Self-potential method
and Electrical resistivity method.

2. The magnitude of the potential field is inversely proportional to the electrolytic

concentration of pore fluid.

3. The magnitude of the anomaly is also affected by the pore size and clay
content.

4. A negative SP anomaly found in areas where seepage is entering through the

dam or bottom of the reservoir and positive where the flow is generally
ascending towards the surface.

5. Fractured and other weak zones generally produce low-resistivity anomalies

by serving as active seepage conduits, presence of clay/weathering products.

6. Horizontal profiling with multiple spacings of electrodes can be used to

estimate the depth ranges of features producing the anomalies.
 Field procedure
1. SP measurements were taken by using two non-polarising electrodes.

2. To obtain the most consistent readings, the holes at each station were dug
deep enough to penetrate dry surface soil.

3. The holes were watered 5-6 h before the measurements were made.

4. For all the profiles, the measurements were made two to three times in a
week. In all these measurements, the variation in the data set was less than 5
mV.

5. Electrical Profiling (EP) measurements were carried out by using multi-

electrode spacings.

6. Soundings were conducted at selected locations depending on SP and EP

results.
Saddle No. 1
• Two profiles were selected
for carrying out the field
survey, P6 and P7

Figure: Layout of Saddle dam no. 1 and profiles P6 and P7.

Saddle No. 3
• A total of five profile lines were
Figure: Layout of
selected for carrying out the survey:
Saddle dam no. 3 P1-P5 as shown in Fig.
and profiles P1
to P5
Interpretation
• On profile P6, EP shows two
resistivity lows (200 ohm-m).

•SP shows negative anomaly

with a maximum amplitude of
-8 mV at Ch. 1000 m.

• For the 70 m spacing curve on

profile P6 the resistivity value is
more than 200 ohm-m.

• On profile P7, the EP shows

low resistivity in 4 different
ranges. Fig. SP and EP Curves at Saddle dam no. 1 showing the seepage path.

• SP shows two negative anomalies with maximum negative anomaly of -16 mV with respect
to the regional gradient.
 • On profile P1 the EP curve
shows two low resistivity
zones, and the SP results show
three negative anomaly.

• Along the profile P2 the EP

curve shows a low resistivity
zone, SP shows 2 zones of
negative anomaly.

• On profile P3, only SP survey

was carried out, showing
negative anomaly for a width
of 30m.

• Along profile P4, EP results show low resistivity

Fig. SP and EP curves at
and the SP results also show negative anomaly. Saddle dam no. 3 showing
the seepage path
• On profile P5, the positive SP anomaly observed is of the order
from +16 to +18 mV at four locations.
Result (Saddle 1)

Figure: Geoelectrical sections at Saddle dam no. 1.

Result (Saddle 3)

Figure: Geoelectrical sections at Saddle dam no. 3.

Conclusion
1. Investigation shows that a number of shear joints and bedding joints
traversed the foundation rock.

2. Few weathered and fractured pockets are also found locally.

3. The seepage path is in the middle segment (Saddle dam 1) and along the
junction of the Saddle dam no. 3 and its right abutment.

4. The presence of water in the piezometers also confirms the electrical

resistivity results.

5. Electrical resistivity survey has proven successful in demarcating the weak

zones, which are responsible for seepage.

6. SP profiling was useful in confirming the seepages in the weak zones

delineated by electrical resistivity survey.
References
 T.V. Panthulu, C. Krishnaiah, J.M. Shirke, Detection of
seepage paths in earth dams using self-potential and
electrical resistivity methods, Engineering Geology 59
(2001), 281-295.