Self-Potential Methods To Investigate The Water Seepage Flow Through Earthfill Embankment Dams

Self Potential (SP) methods are being utilized to detect changes in the seepage flows through<br>embankment dams. SP refers to the natural voltages generated by the earth, as opposed to those<br>which can be induced in the earth by applying an electric current. A streaming potential is the<br>measurable voltage potential that is caused by groundwater flow. An SP survey designed to<br>monitor groundwater flow must be carefully planned and conducted in order to isolate the<br>changes in streaming potentials from other sources of SP. By repeating an SP survey over an<br>embankment dam when the water reservoir elevation was at its seasonal minimum and<br>maximum, the changes in streaming potentials due to the different flow paths and volumes could<br>be identified. Further monitoring of SP levels could forewarn of deteriorating conditions within<br>the dam.