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Abstract

Summary

3D time-lapse electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) is being trialled at the Mactaquac Dam to monitor seepage conditions near the interface between the embankment and an abutting concrete structure. Until recently the resistivity array consisted of five lines of electrodes running up the embankment’s downstream face, and across its crest. Measurements with that array resolved seasonal resistivity variations in the upper part of the dam’s clay till core that are consistent with zones of elevated seepage. To improve sensitivity below ∼10 m depth, the array has been expanded with underwater electrodes on the upstream face of the embankment. The underwater electrode layout was determined through many 2D and 3D modelling simulations. Concentrated seepage was simulated by changing the resistivity of specific zones in the core, and upstream rockfill shell, consistent with changes in the headpond. Synthetic resistivity data were then generated for predominantly pole-dipole measurement sequences mimicking those used at the dam. The synthetic data were inverted to see how well different electrode configurations could recover anomalies deeper in the core. After analysing many configurations, it was determined that adding underwater electrodes extending ∼1/3rd of the way down the upstream face would significantly improve sensitivity at depth in the core.

© EAGE Publications BV
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/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520228
2025-09-07
2026-02-08

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References

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/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520228
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Modelling and Installation of Underwater Electrodes for ERI Seepage Monitoring at an Embankment Dam
Conference Proceedings 2025, 1 (2025); https://doi.org/10.3997/2214-4609.202520228
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520228
/content/papers/10.3997/2214-4609.202520228
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