Dyke leakage localization and hydraulic permeability estimation through self-potential and hydro-acoustic measurements: Self-potential ‘abacus’ diagram for hydraulic permeability estimation and uncertainty computation

In the present study, we propose the combination of two geophysical techniques, which we have applied to a dyke located in southeastern France that has a visible downstream flood area: the self-potential (SP) and hydro-acoustic methods. These methods are sensitive to two different types of signals: electric signals and water–soil pressure disturbances, respectively. The advantages of the SP technique lie in the high rate of data acquisition, which allows assessment of long dykes, and direct diagnosis in terms of leakage area delimitation and quantification. Coupled with punctual hydro-acoustic cartography, a leakage position can be precisely located, therefore allowing specific remediation decisions with regard to the results of the geophysical investigation. Here, the precise localization of leakage from an earth dyke has been identified using SP and hydro-acoustic signals, with the permeability of the preferential fluid flow area estimated by forward SP modeling. Moreover, we propose a general ‘abacus’ diagram for the estimation of hydraulic permeability of dyke leakage according to the magnitude of over water SP anomalies and the associated uncertainty.

► We propose a self-potential and acoustic data analysis for leakage characterization.
► Low self-potential anomaly magnitude induced by a leakage can be detected.
► Hydro-acoustic measurements are able to delimit an inflow surface area.
► A leakage hydraulic permeability with associated uncertainty is performed.
► ‘Abacus’ diagram of self-potential anomaly versus leakage permeability is proposed.