The capacity of active heat method in evaluation of seepage

The analysis of temperature variation inside an embankment dam is known as a feasible approach for seepage estimation in an embankment dam. The time needed for temperature surveillance could be considerably reduced when it is implemented under the condition of heat injection. However, a detailed description about the method as well as its capability has not been sufficiently presented in previous research. To fill this void, a realistic scale finite-element modeling was conducted to explain and assess the abilities of the approach. A 15 m dam segment containing a suffusion layer was simulated with 11 scenarios, where it was found that the applications of temperature measurement with the complement of high-power line heat sources in standpipes could give a solution for seepage determination in a dam segment with length up to 6 m, and the combination of fiber optic sensors and electrical wires provides an ability to assess seepage in a long dam distance. It is noteworthy that the efficiency in the perpendicular plane to the fiber optic sensor and electrical wire is limited.