Hydrotechnical structures monitoring

The study of the structural conditions of hydraulic complexes carried out exclusively based on geognostic-geotechnical drilling results does not allow an objective assessment of the real situation throughout the whole development of the structure: the lithotechnical reconstruction by simple interpolation between boreholes does not allow for example to detect sinkholes, structure degradation, hydraulic fracturing, discontinuities caused by the presence of plants or rodents, frost line and natural weathering.

Concerning structural conditions monitoring in hydraulic complexes we propose, in addition to GPR, seismic tomography, electrical tomography, and conductometry.

Geopartner has extensive experience in performing this type of work. We have already completed several thousand kilometers of GPR profiles, in particular dams, water levels, locks and flood embankments.

Geopartner boasts of the first experiment in Poland for GPR underwater application: on behalf of Toruń Energy Department, through the use of a purpose-built bathyscaphe, was conducted a detailed study of the conditions of the concrete slab and the ground below at hydroelectric power plant in Włocławek. The results of this study open up new opportunities for the diagnosis of geotechnical and structural conditions of seemingly inaccessible areas of hydraulic structures. Other methods of investigation experienced in the past have proved to be too expensive or extremely complicated or unsatisfactory resolution; tests carried out have instead demonstrated the reliability of GPR method, mainly able to ensure analytical accuracy and an economic impact compatible with the monitoring goals of underwater portions of hydraulic structures.