Yes, of course we have to have geo-technical properties of soil

Geophysics can help.

No, to many assumptions. Specific tests are required (e;.g Hole erosion test)

Consider confining stresses, gradients and soil compatibility (or filter criteria) - as key items to consider when thinking seepage or piping development.

please can I have link s redirect to papers

Yes, if undisturbed soil samples were takenand and by applying flownet tech, that would detect the seepage of earth dam.

Refer to papers by Jonathan Fannin and Steve Garner.

See the following

http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/toc/cgj/48/3

Yes, of course. If you are able to obtain the geo-technical properties of the soils. It will help a lot in detection of the seepage problem. Seepage shows probably not the same features in soils of different geo-technical properties.

If you have the properties thst required for seepage calculation it could be used(like as soil coefficient of permeability)

Please, I wish to post a paper , in line with our discussions, for your critical comments and contributions. Suggestions to improving the quality are welcome. Thanks

The paper as posted.

there is some theoretical relations for computing seepage from earth dams in boo of Dr. Dos. you can use some geotechnical properties of soil and by using the mentioned relations you can compute seepage from the earth dam.

Dr Mehdad, pls can I hv a link to the book.

Dear Oladipupo the book is: principles of geotechnical engineering by Braja.M. Das, seventh edition.

dont hesitate to contact me if you think I can help more.

my email is: [email protected]

good luck

Tnxz dear Mehrdad.

See the enclosed paper and other papers of the authors where the temperature is used to detect and quantify seepage.

Article Active and Passive Defences against Internal Erosion of Dikes

I would like to add the characteristic of a soil is also significant. The placement method and compactive effort, weather conditions, contractor experience - and probably more significant - the type of contract between the contractor and the owner (ie lump sum payment versus unit rate) can each influence the characteristic of the soil within an embankment dam. In my opinion all water retaining structures must be constructed with people who have experience with the design and construction of water retaining structures. The type of contract selected is also important. The contract needs to be flexible to allow for changed conditions. The conditions can only observed once the foundation is exposed. Unit rate contracts allows for flexibility.

In summary when one thinks about seepage detection and geotechnical properties of soils within an embankment dam it is imperative to review the construction conditions, contractor experience (the personnel on site and not in the office!) and type of contract used for the project (which includes specifications/deliverables for QA/QC records and Project Completion documents).

@ Tsam, Thank you for the sites. The materials are indeed very useful.

Good question.. Please share me the best answer might you trust...

Regards…