UTILITY OF TRACER TECHNIQUE IN DELINEATING PATH OF LEAKAGE THROUGH THE BODY OF DAM

摘要

The anomalous leakage in the body of the dam can give rise to built up pressure and leaching in the body of dam; this excessive and unplanned seepage has been one of the major causes of distress for the dams. It is, therefore, necessary to locate the uncalled for seepage entry points, map the seepage paths and adopt remedial measures to abate the seepage. Tracer technique is being utilised for delineating path of seepage by establishing interconnection between entry points and leakage points in a non-destructive manner. This paper deals with comprehensive discussions on tracer techniques and its potential in the application of seepage assessment programme. A typical case history of composite Amarja dam in Karnataka, on the application of the tracer technique for locating seepage zones in the body of the dam is presented.