Resistivity monitoring for leakage detection at Hällby embankment dam

Intemal erosion is one of the major reasons for embankment dam failures. Resistivity monitoring may have the possibility of detecting internal erosion processes and anomalous seepage at an early stage before the safety of the dam is at stake. This is done by analysing and comparing the seasonal resistivity variation schemes in the reservoir and inside the dam body. The technique is essentially non-destructive, which is particularly important when working with embankment dams where drilling and other penetrating investigations are normally avoided.