Leakage detection applied to the Da-Hedong Reservoir dam (China) based on the flow-field fitting method

Detecting leakage in concrete gravity dams presents a formidable challenge. The Flow-Field Fitting (FFF) method is used to identify leaks in China’s Da-Hedong reservoir dam. We propose vertical- and horizontal-gradient approaches based on the transmitted signal electrical field. A plastic frame is developed to allow the probe to measure horizontal gradients. We determine the exact location of leaks at the reservoir’s bottom and upstream face, respectively, assuming that current leakages are located in hydraulic leakage zones. Numerical experiments and water pressure tests reveal that the conductive silt layer beneath the reservoir can lower the response of the potential values at the leakage inlet, and the effect of the silt layer should be considered and not ignored when interpreting measured data. In addition, with regards to the principle of superposition, the contribution associated with metal pipes in the dam body can be roughly determined by subtracting it from the original potential field data, thereby aiding in locating leaks around the metal pipes. Additionally, the FFF measurements from the reservoir’s bottom also confirm the position of existing faults in the substratum at the reservoir site. Lastly, the results of the FFF method are tested against supporting evidence including ground penetrating radar and water pressure tests. In conclusion, these independent data confirm the effectiveness of the FFF method for leakage localization in the concrete gravity dam.