PREVENTING WATER LOSS AND AVERTING FAILURE: IDENTIFYING SEEPAGE POINTS IN DAM STRUCTURES

摘要

The seepage of water from a dam suggests a number of possible scenarios, and none of them are good. At best, the reservoir owner is losing a valuable commodity. At worst, the seepage may be the precursor of dam failure. Among the technological advances that will enhance the role of dams in the 21st century, is a remarkable breakthrough in the area of seepage diagnosis and remediation. The first step in addressing a problem with seepage is as obvious as it is difficult: pinpointing its source. In the past, procedures for determining the exact location and nature of seepage points have been both costly and time consuming. Of course, when dam failure is imminent, there is much more than money and time at stake; the rapidity and efficiency with which engineers can locate the source of seepage may make the difference between a timely fix and catastrophe. Researchers, working under the auspices of Willowstick Technologies, have developed a system proven to significantly reduce both the time and the expense associated with seepage diagnosis. In the new procedure, electrodes are placed strategically above and below the dam structure, and the water between them is charged with a low voltage, low amperage, and audio-frequency electrical current. The current creates a distinctive magnetic field that represents the location and character of the water flow occurring between the electrodes. This field can be identified and surveyed from the surface using a specially tuned receiver. Through this technique and hardware, investigative teams have accurately diagnosed seepage problems in such various locations in Europe and the United States.