Geotechnical, Geoelectric and Tracing Methods for Earth/Rock-Fill Dam and Embankment Leakage Investigation

Earth/rock-fill dams and embankments are the main water retaining structures in hydraulic projects, and they can effectively resist floods and are of great significance for protecting people's lives and property. Leakage is a common problem in these structures. Investigation activities, including geotechnical, geoelectric, and tracing methods, are required to locate the leakage path and provide a basis for risk mitigation and reinforcement. These three methods provide information on different leakage characteristics, uncertainties, and spatiotemporal distributions. This work first introduces the micro-mechanism of internal erosion and then, provides a site case base for leakage investigation of earth/rock-fill dams and embankments from all over the world. For each investigation method, the basic principle, investigation process, data interpretation, and future potential are summarized. It should be emphasized that geotechnical, geoelectric, and tracing methods are placed on an equal level to assist dam managers and researchers in selecting the most appropriate method to assess dam leakage against specific geological backgrounds and structural types. Finally, the advantages, disadvantages, and applicable conditions of each investigation method are compared. The role of surface investigation methods and internal investigation methods in different stages of leakage is explained. The application of combined methods is discussed at four levels, and a new combined method is proposed.