Improving a Fiber Optics Tool for Monitoring Leakage

摘要

One way to detect leakage in a dam is to monitor temperatures in the structure and its foundation. That's because seepage flows affect the temperature field within the structure. A method for measuring temperature in dams — distributed fiber-optic temperature (DFOT) measurement — has been used for almost a decade. Yet, researchers continue to improve the tool's effectiveness and develop new applications. Temperature measurement is a vital tool for detecting leakage in dams. In particular, the distributed fiberoptic temperature (DFOT) measurement method is a well-established tool, having been in use for nearly ten years. Researchers at several universities continue to adapt this tool for new applications at dams. For example, researchers are studying new applications for the gradient and heat-up methods of temperature monitoring, as well as measuring temperatures in roller-compacted-concrete (RCC) dams. New applications for the method continue to make it a key technology for dam monitoring.