Using Aerial Infrared Thermography to identify seeps and flows in Dam Inspections

摘要

Aerial Infrared and Photographic Surveys can be ortho-rectified and combined with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to greatly enhance the effectiveness of ongoing predictive/preventive maintenance programs designed to preserve the integrity of earthen dams and levees. These Aerial Surveys can accurately identify any leaks or breaches in dams, levees, and catch ponds, allowing the owner to address any possible risk areas before failures may occur. Geospatial information provided allows a technician on the ground to locate, document and sample specific locations in the water systems which may be indicative of leaks or seeps in the dam structure. Trending this information will pinpoint the areas of greatest concern and allow the owner to concentrate on early detection of possible dam failure points. By optimizing temperature, specific environmental conditions, vegetative cover, and water levels, the Infrared Survey will maximize the results needed to properly survey the entire dam system. Infrared Thermography is unique in that it can differentiate between wet areas and groundwater flow, as well as detect flows under water in lakes, rivers, and waterways. Through the use of these new Infrared technologies, applications for the purpose of protecting waterways near dams, levees, catch ponds, and run-off ponds can be executed in a much more efficient manner. Efforts can be localized to specific GIS coordinates of documented flows and can be trended over time to prevent unmonitored releases of controlled liquid wastes. Coal Ash retention ponds and the danger of their failure is an example of an application that could be greatly enhanced by the use of Aerial Thermographic Surveys. An Infrared Image is combined with a Visual Image and a GIS map for a comprehensive report of noted and possible problems. The end product is a complete survey of all earthen and manmade boundaries with an emphasis on secure containment and documentation of all water movement. Case studies have validated the correlation between Infrared Image "Points of Interest" and confirmed Seeps and Flows. This presentation will show the relationship between noted thermal seeps and flows and confirmed leachate concentrations.