On Earth Dam Leak Detection Based on Using Fiber-Optic Distributed Temperature Sensor (Case Study: Canal Embankment on the Rhône River, France)

The main aim of this paper is to detect and fully evaluate the leakage potential of an embankment based on the fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing (DTS) under an R&D program in France between Cementys, INRAE and CNR (Compagnie Nationale du Rhone). The field experimental works and real data measurements have been applied for the current study. The developed measurement and monitoring system in this study which installed inside of the embankment has consisted of distributed fiber optic sensors, PT100 sensors, TDR sensors, Vibrating wire sensors, and Meteorological sensors. The solar-based energy resource has been connected to the developed measurement system and WIFI technology has been used for data transferring. The achieved result of heat measurement shows that the current study developed system is able to measure the inside embankment temperature with the perfect accuracy instantaneously. The achieved results allow us to monitor the real-time temperature difference in the main body of the embankment. Seasonal evaluation of results shows that the higher potential of leakage is occurred during winter and in the deeper parts throughout the embankment. Besides, generating an exact Equi-potential dispersion map with considerable accuracy compare with previous research and relationships has been performed. The comparison results of current study measurement and previous research on the IRFTA analytical model shows that the foundation level of the embankment has a high potential location for leakage.