Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and electromagnetic (CMD) assessment of Scottish reservoir embankments

Flood reservoir embankments are playing a very important role during the flood season as they keep the water within the reservoir. The reason for flood reservoir embankment failure is the desiccation of clay fill materials during the dry seasons which cause the fissuring of the top clay layers that could lead to erosion and slip surface with overtopping water. In most cases the failure of flood embankments causes flooding risk to local areas and puts inhabitants at risk. For this reason it is important to investigate the condition of the embankments and evaluate any internal erosion and cracking. These investigations allow greater learning about the soil layers and detection of metallic objects in the ground, animal burials and the vertical fissuring network which are other factors of weakness. The data can also be used to identify high and low conductivity areas related to the moisture of the soil. This report discusses the flood catchment embankment tests using two non-destructive geo-physical testing methods at various sites in East Ayrshire and Renfrewshire, Scotland. The embankments investigations were carried out using CMD (Electromagnetic Conductivity Meter) and ERT (Electrical Resistivity Tomography). The tests identified metal objects (pipes and drains) in various locations on site. These findings were confirmed by visual inspections. Results also revealed that the soil is highly conductive (low resistivity) so no cracking was observed as cracking and cavities are spotted by high resistivity. The upper layer of the embankments sometimes showed signs of desiccation and drier soil. Zones of high conductivity (higher water content) were also identified and the influence of the morphology of the embankments was discussed.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

mres

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

masters-pg

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Strathclyde

Year dc:date.issued

2012

Author dc:creator

• Dreimanis, Karlis

DOI

10.48730/19bh-v622

Identifier

T13200

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:strathclyde:0v8380566