Karstification below dam sites: a model of increasing leakage from reservoirs

Unnaturally steep hydraulic gradients below foundations or across abutments of dams may cause solutional widening of fractures in karstifiable rocks of carbonates or gypsum. This could cause increasing leakage which may endanger the performance of the construction. To investigate this problem recent models on natural karstification have been applied. We have performed numerical simulations of leakage below a model dam with a grouting curtain reaching down to 100 m below its impermeable foundation of 100 m width. Water is impounded to a depth of 100 m. The dam is located on a terrane of fractured rock dissected by two perpendicular sets of fractures with spacing of 5 m, and with a log-normal distribution of their initial aperture widths of about 0.02 cm. In the first state of karstification these fractures widen slowly, until a pathway of widened fractures below the grouting has reached the downstream side with exit widths of about 1 mm. This causes a dramatic increase of leakage, and turbulent flow sets in. After this breakthrough at time T, in the second state of karstification, dissolution rates become even along these fractures and cause widening of about 0.1 cm year^-1 for limestone, and at least of 1 cm year^-1 for gypsum. This leads to an increase in leakage to excessive rates within 25 years for limestone, but only 5 years for gypsum. We have performed a sensitivity analysis of breakthrough time T for the various parameters which determine the problem. The result shows breakthrough times in the order of several tens of years for both limestone and gypsum. We have also modelled leakage to caves or karst channels 200 m below the bottom of the reservoir, which could induce the formation of sinkholes. The model can be extended to more realistic settings. In conclusion, our results support the prediction that increasing leakage at dam sites can be caused by recent karstification which is activated after filling the reservoir, possibly leading to serious problems within its lifetime.     

Leakage below dam sites in limestone terrains by enhanced karstification: a modeling approach

Unnaturally high hydraulic gradients below dam sites enhance dissolutional widening of fractures in limestone. A model is presented which suggests that under unfavorable conditions, leakage rates could become unbearably high during the lifetime of the dam. At the beginning when water is impounded, leakage rates are low and increase slowly. A positive feedback loop, however, causes a sudden dramatic increase of leakage within a few years. Deep grouting becomes necessary to prevent such failures. Inefficiencies in grouting may leave some open fractures in the grouting curtain. These fractures widen faster than pathways below the grouting curtain, and reduce the effect of the grouted region located below. Therefore, open fractures act in a similar way as reduction of the grouting depth.     

Gypsum-karst problems in constructing dams in the USA

Gypsum is a highly soluble rock and is dissolved readily to form caves, sinkholes, disappearing streams, and other karst features that typically are also present in limestones and dolomites. Gypsum karst is widespread in the USA and has caused problems at several sites where dams were built, or where dam construction was considered. Gypsum karst is present (at least locally) in most areas where gypsum crops out, or is less than 30–60 m below the land surface. These karst features can compromise on the ability of a dam to hold water in a reservoir, and can even cause collapse of a dam. Gypsum karst in the abutments or foundation of a dam can allow water to pass through, around, or under a dam, and solution channels can enlarge quickly, once water starts flowing through such a karst system. The common procedure for controlling gypsum karst beneath the dam is a deep cut-off trench, backfilled with impermeable material, or a close-spaced grout curtain that hopefully will fill all cavities. In Oklahoma, the proposed Upper Mangum Dam was abandoned before construction, because of extensive gypsum karst in the abutments and impoundment area. Catastrophic failure of the Quail Creek Dike in southwest Utah in 1989 was due to flow of water through an undetected karstified gypsum unit beneath the earth-fill embankment. The dike was rebuilt, at a cost of US $12 million, with construction of a cut-off trench 600 m long and 25 m deep. Other dams in the USA with severe gypsum-karst leakage problems in recent years are Horsetooth and Carter Lake Dams, in Colorado, and Anchor Dam, in Wyoming.     

The impact of faults on the geomorphology of the Earth’s crust: case study of faults impacts on the geomorphology of Lar Valley,Northeast of Tehran (Iran)

The geomorphology of the Lar Valley in the Northeast of Tehran, the Capital of Iran, is under the geological influence of the Central Alborz, in which the different geological formations are folded and thrust, time and again over each other by faults, creating the heights. The Damavand volcano is located to the east of Lar Valley, appearing in the heights of Alborz at the point of deviation in the structural strike of Alborz chain and along the faults during the quaternary period. The physiographic, landslide phenomenon, rock fall, valleys, water courses and alluvial fans in the Lar Valley were reviewed and studied according to aerial photographs, satellite images and field observations from the aspect of their susceptibility to the impact of faults. The results indicate that 80% of the peaks and high mountains in Lar Valley are created and influenced by the action of overthrust faults. Ninety percent of the land and rock sinking are located in the intermediate regions between the faults, and they are believed to be the results of fault impacts. Seven out of the nine cases of landslide in Lar are located on or in the margin of the faults depicting the latter’s influence. The floor ratios of eight valleys were calculated and it was determined that in addition to the impacts of faults on creating the valleys, the situation of most of these along the margins of the faults as well as seven valleys are influenced by faults. The slope of rivulets and auxiliary rivers and their angles in relation to each other and the main river were calculated. The results showed that seven rivulets were under the influence of faults. Fifty-nine percent of the alluvial fans in Lar Valley were greatly influenced by faults, whereas 49% were under their normal impact. The supposition in this study is that the results can be used to identify faults and their characteristics.     

The influence of urbanization of sinkhole development in central Pennsylvania

The karsted limestone valleys of central Pennsylvania contain two populations of sinkholes. Solution sinkholes occur in the Champlainian limestone units along the margins of the valleys. Solution sinkholes are permanent parts of the landscape and, although a nuisance to construction, do not present other problems. The second population is the suffosional or soil-piping sinkholes These occur on all carbonate rock units including the Beekmantown and Gatesburg dolomites that comprise the two principal carbonate aquifers in the valley. Suffosional sinkholes are the principal land-use hazard. Suffosional sinkholes are transient phonomena. They occur naturally but are exacerbated by runoff modifications that accompany urbanization Suffosional sinkholes are typically 1.5–2.5 m in diameter depending on soil thickness and soil type. The vertical transport of soil to form the void space and soil arch that are the precursors to sinkhole collapse is through solutionally widened fractures and cross-joints and less often through large vertical openings in the bedrock. The limited solution development on the dolomite bedrock combined with soil thickness, seldom greater than 2 m, limits the size of the sinkholes. All aspects of suffosional sinkhole development are shallow processes: transport, piping, void and arch formation, and subsequent collapse take place usually less than 10 m below the land surface Factors exacerbating sinkhole development include pavement, street, and roof runoff which accelerates soil transport Such seemingly minor activities as replacing high grass and brush with mowed grass is observed to accelerate sinkhole development. Dewatering of the aquifer is not a major factor in this region     

Role of geological structures in seepage from Lar dam reservoir

The main objective of this paper is to estimate the water seepage from Lar dam reservoir based on a combination of the geological structure study results and identification of the flow conduits in the right bank of the reservoir. From the beginning of impounding the dam in 1980, heavy seepage was observed at two karstic springs, Haraz and Galugah, located about 9 km downstream of the dam. During the first impounding, the discharge of the Haraz spring abruptly increased from 0.5 m³/s to around 5 m³/s. The results of piezometers and dye tests indicate that seepage occurs mainly through the right abutment of the dam where there is a structural wedge between the north dipping North Tiz Kuh and the south dipping Lar Valley faults. F1, F2, and F3 faults are the most important faults in vicinity of the structural wedge. Based on the dye test results, the North Tiz Kuh and F3 faults along which caves No. 1 and 2 are formed are regarded as two isolated conduits for seepage and conveyance into Lar Valley Fault at downstream of Lar dam. After identifying the conduits, water seepage from the Lar dam reservoir has been calculated using finite element method. According to the results of numerical method, when the reservoir water level is at 2485 m a.s.l, the average of water seepage is around 8.51 m³/s (this amount of water is related to the seepage along the Lar Valley Fault). The average discharge of springs downstream of the dam has been used to verify the numerical method. The results show a very close relation between estimated and observed discharge.     

南京市赭山头水库坝肩渗漏处理

采用综合物探等方法对南京赭山头水库长期存在的渗漏问题进行探测,在物探探测渗漏区结合地质钻探确定大坝的渗漏通道,对存在渗漏通道的左右坝肩部位,采用薄壁混凝土防渗墙和帷幕灌浆的方法进行防渗处理,经过汛期高水位的检验,水库多年存在的渗漏险情得到了根本解决。     

Catastrophic subsidence: An environmental hazard,shelby county,Alabama

Induced sinkholes (catastrophic subsidence) are those caused or accelerated by human activities These sinkholes commonly result from a water level decline due to pumpage Construction activities in a cone of depression greatly increases the likelihood of sinkhole occurrence Almost all occur where cavities develop in unconsolidated deposits overlying solution openings in carbonate rocks. Triggering mechanisms resulting from water level declines are (1) loss of buoyant support of the water, (2) increased gradient and water velocity, (3) water-level fluctuations, and (4) induced recharge Construction activities triggering sinkhole development include ditching, removing overburden, drilling, movement of heavy equipment, blasting and the diversion and impoundment of drainage Triggering mechanisms include piping, saturation, and loading Induced sinkholes resulting from human water development/management activities are most predictable in a youthful karst area impacted by groundwater withdrawals Shape, depth, and timing of catastrophic subsidence can be predicted in general terms Remote sensing techniques are used in prediction of locations of catastrophic subsidence. This provides a basis for design and relocation of structures such as a gas pipeline, dam, or building Utilization of techniques and a case history of the relocation of a pipeline are described     

贵州冗赖水库岩溶成库条件分析

冗赖水库位于珠江流域的北盘江与南盘江两大水系之间的高原岩溶台地,左右岸外侧均存在低邻槽谷,坝址下游存在底部发育落水洞的大型岩溶海子,水库成库难度大,当地人饮水问题突出。通过岩溶水文地质调查、钻探、物探、连通试验等手段,从地形条件、地层岩性、地质构造、水文地质条件、岩溶发育特征等方面,对冗赖水库成库条件进行了分析论证。认为水库库盆底部依托隔水性岩体,不存在库水渗漏问题,但水库两岸受分水岭地下水位低、断层破碎带及岩溶发育等影响,存在库水渗漏问题,同时库首两岸可能存在顺平缓岩层面、溶蚀裂隙等产生渗漏问题。因此建议采用垂直防渗方式,防渗标准（透水率）小于3 Lu或防渗帷幕下限接稳定地下水位以下10 m,遇到溶洞等地质缺陷时应查明其分布特征,并根据实际情况降低防渗底线。      

Effects on ground water caused by excavation of rock store caverns

Unlined rock caverns for oil storage are very common in Sweden. Most of them are excavated in hard rocks (compact, non-carbonate, non-volcanic rocks). The fundamental idea of underground oil storage is that the rock caverns are located below the natural ground water level. Hereby the ground water keeps the oil inside the caverns and prevents products migration.

During the excavating period the water seeping through the fractures of a cavern is pumped up to avoid flooding. This discharge causes a local drop in the ground-water level around the cavern and a cone of depression develops.

A local study of the development of such a cone of depression has been made by means of a network of observation holes around the cavern. On enlargement of an oil storage (by constructing new caverns close to the old ones), the cone of depression moves according to the progress of the new excavations. This process has been studied and described in two cases.

Underground storages in Sweden are very often closely spaced in order to use common facilities such as entrance tunnel, pumping station, housing etc. Therefore an artificial ground-water divide sometimes must be arranged between different caverns in order to prevent products migration. This paper describes how such an artificial recharge of water between some caverns is made. The control of its effectiveness is shown as well as the method for sealing off undesirable leakage.     

西南某水电站断裂构造和层间溶蚀带组合岩溶渗漏研究

西南某水电站坝址基岩为碳酸盐岩,坝区断层构造和岩溶较发育。水库蓄水后,坝址右岸抗力体1 315 m排水洞出现持续渗漏。随库区水位升高,涌水量逐渐加大至约1.9 m3·s?1,水库无法正常蓄水。为查明库水渗漏途径,有针对性地采取措施减少渗漏量,开展了岩溶渗漏研究。通过工程地质测绘、岩溶水文地质调查、钻探、压水试验、孔内电视、孔内电磁波CT等勘察手段,结合前期平硐、基坑开挖和物探等勘查成果,并利用灌浆孔灌浆过程试验数据,最终查明库水渗漏通道:在水压力作用下,库水沿断裂构造F₁₂下渗,在深部沿层间溶蚀带绕过防渗帷幕,呈30°倾角向下游逐步抬升,最终通过竖向岩溶发育带,从1 315 m排水洞地质薄弱点涌出。通过对灌浆帷幕采取补强措施,封堵了主要渗漏通道,库水渗漏得到有效控制,达到了设计要求。      

Karst Hazard Assessment of Eastern Saudi Arabia

Karst phenomena exist in areas in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia, forming solution features such as sinkholes, collapsed dolines and solution caverns, as a result of the chemical leaching of the carbonate and evaporite formations by percolating water. The instability of these karst phenomena could produce land subsidence problems. This paper reviews the geology of documented karstic rock units in Saudi Arabia and proposes a simple engineering classification of the solution features characteristic of limestone. Two case histories in the Dhahran area, eastern Saudi Arabia, will be used as examples for the application of a modified engineering classification.     

Characterisation of groundwater recharge conditions and flow mechanisms in bedrock aquifers of the Johannesburg area,South Africa

Groundwater is the major source of water and a critical resource for socioeconomic development in semi-arid environments like the Johannesburg area. Environmental isotopes are employed in this study to characterise groundwater recharge and flow mechanisms in the bedrock aquifers of Johannesburg, which is known for polluted surface water. With the exception of boreholes near the Hartbeespoort Dam, groundwater in the study area was derived from meteoric water that has undergone some degree of evaporation before recharge, possibly via diffuse mechanisms. Boreholes that tap groundwater from the Transvaal Supergroup Formation show depletion in δ¹⁸O and δ²H values. This is attributed to diffuse recharge through weathering fractures at high elevation that are undergoing deep circulation or recharge from depleted rainfall from the high-latitude moisture sources. The influence of focused recharge from the Hartbeespoort Dam was observed in the boreholes north of the dam, possibly as a result of the north–south trending fault lines and the north-dipping fractures in the bedding planes of quartzites. This is also supported by a reservoir water budget method which indicated a mean annual net flux of 2,084,131 m³ from Hartbeespoort Dam recharging groundwater per annum. Using tritium in the dam and boreholes located at 750 m and 5400 m downstream, average groundwater flow velocity was estimated as 202 m/year. An open system was observed in shale, andesite and granitic-gneiss aquifers indicating soil CO₂ as a dominant source of carbon (δ¹³C) in groundwater. A closed system was also observed in dolomitic aquifers indicating carbonate dissolution as the predominant source of carbon.     

Use of sinkhole and specific capacity distributions to assess vertical gradients in a karst aquifer

The carbonate-rock aquifer in the Great Valley, West Virginia, USA, was evaluated using a database of 687 sinkholes and 350 specific capacity tests to assess structural, lithologic, and topographic influences on the groundwater flow system. The enhanced permeability of the aquifer is characterized in part by the many sinkholes, springs, and solutionally enlarged fractures throughout the valley. Yet, vertical components of subsurface flow in this highly heterogeneous aquifer are currently not well understood. To address this problem, this study examines the apparent relation between geologic features of the aquifer and two spatial indices of enhanced permeability attributed to aquifer karstification: (1) the distribution of sinkholes and (2) the occurrence of wells with relatively high specific capacity. Statistical results indicate that sinkholes (funnel and collapse) occur primarily along cleavage and bedding planes parallel to subparallel to strike where lateral or downward vertical gradients are highest. Conversely, high specific capacity values are common along prominent joints perpendicular or oblique to strike. The similarity of the latter distribution to that of springs suggests these fractures are areas of upward-convergent flow. These differences between sinkhole and high specific capacity distributions suggest vertical flow components are primarily controlled by the orientation of geologic structure and associated subsurface fracturing.     

Morphometric analysis of sinkholes in a karst coastal area of southern Apulia (Italy)

Salento, the southern portion of Apulia region (SE Italy), is a narrow and elongated peninsula in carbonate rocks, with prevailing low coastlines, locally interrupted by high rock cliffs. The long stretches of low coasts are marked by typical karst landforms consisting of collapse sinkholes. As observed in many other karst coastal settings worldwide, development of sinkholes may be particularly severe along the coasts, where both natural and anthropogenic processes contribute to accelerate the dissolution of carbonate rocks and subsidence processes, even influencing the coastline evolution. Following a previous study, where the main features of sinkholes at Torre Castiglione (Taranto province) were investigated and described, and a preliminary susceptibility map produced, at the light of updated data and elaborations in the present paper we perform a detailed morphometric analysis on the sample of identified sinkholes. The main morphometric parameters generally used for sinkhole characterization have been considered in this study: shape of the sinkhole, azimuth and length of maximum and minimum axes, depth, elongation ratio, and distance from the shorelines. Each of them is described, both as individual parameter and in conjunction with the others, in the attempt to identify the main factors controlling development of sinkholes in the area, and their evolution as well. With regard to this latter aspect, beside simple morphometry of the sample of sinkholes at Torre Castiglione, we also focused our attention on the likely relationships existing between distribution and shape of the sinkholes and the tectonic discontinuities. To investigate the matter, a three-stage analysis has been carried out in this study by means of: field measurements of the fractures bounding the sinkholes, field measurement of the long axes azimuth of the elongated sinkholes, comparison of the previously described sets with the strikes of the main regional geological structures. The obtained results show, in addition to the coincidence of the main regional discontinuity systems with the major axis of elongated sinkholes, a clear control exerted by development and evolution of the sinkholes on the formation of coastal inlets and bays. Eventually, the approach here presented may be applied in other karst coastal sinkhole-prone areas, to gain new knowledge on the genesis and evolution of coastal sinkholes, and to properly evaluate the hazard they pose to the anthropogenic environment.     

Geophysical response of filled sinkholes,soil pipes and associated bedrock fractures in thinly mantled karst,east-central Illinois

Karst aquifers are often protected by a thin mantle of unconsolidated sediment. Soil pipes and sinkholes may breach this natural protective barrier and open pathways for contaminants to quickly reach bedrock aquifers. Geophysical surveys offer a quick and noninvasive way to identify these features; such surveys may also be sequenced to reveal increasing detail in critical areas. At a study site in east-central Illinois, electromagnetic (EM) surveys mapped high conductivity anomalies over filled sinkholes and soil pipes that penetrated the unconsolidated cover. Two-dimensional inverted resistivity sections, made over these anomalies, depict filled sinkholes and soil pipes as conductive zones above deeply weathered bedrock fractures. Borings verified the geophysical models and suggest high conductivities associated with the filled sinkholes are the result of enhanced moisture near active soil pipes. EM surveys also identified conductive zones in the overburden above a probable bedrock fracture linking sinkhole areas 0.5 km apart. Resistivity and EM methods, used in a phased and sequential manner, thus proved useful in mapping filled sinkholes and in delineating the vertical and lateral connections between soil pipes and hydraulically active bedrock fractures.     

平寨坝址左岸岩溶发育规律及其对建坝条件的影响

地层岩性、水文地质、地质构造对平寨坝址的工程地质条件起着主要作用。从岩溶形态入手 ,对平寨坝址左岸岩溶的分布规律进行了研究 ,指出主要岩溶形态如洼地、漏斗、落水洞等在平面上呈带状分布 ;溶洞在垂向上具成层性、空间展布上具方向性以及平面分布具差异性等分布规律。对影响岩溶发育的因素进行了探讨的结果表明 :(1)灰岩的纯度越高、岩层越单一、层理的厚度越大 ,岩溶越发育 ;(2 )褶皱控制岩溶系统整体发育的方向、控制溶洞发育部位、规模及形态 ;(3)裂隙的发育程度和延伸方向决定岩溶发育的程度和发展方向。在岩溶发育规律的基础上对坝址左岸岩溶进行了如下预测 :(1)坝址左岸表层岩溶发育较强 ,岩体内部发育较弱 ;(2 )在坝轴线附近隐伏大规模溶洞的可能性较小 ;(3)平寨坝址河床深岩溶不发育。最后探讨了岩溶发育对建坝可能产生的渗漏与稳定性降低等问题     

利用孔斜成像技术解译结晶岩体裂隙发育几何特征

钻孔电视成像技术由于其高精度数字记录成像的特点,克服了工程钻探过程中岩芯不连续、裂隙几何要素信息丢失等问题,在国内外工程勘察中得到了广泛的应用。但目前钻孔成像解译大都以竖直孔为主,倾斜孔成像解译应用较少。结合某地区地下水封洞库项目中的斜孔电视成像工作,介绍了斜孔成像裂隙的解译方法,通过空间坐标转换将结构面的视产状转换成真产状,并在此基础上针对该地区地下水幕系统和洞室所在位置深度范围内的裂隙发育情况分三部分对深部花岗岩结晶岩体裂隙几何要素进行了统计分析,揭示了相应的裂隙发育产状变化特征和垂向变化特征,结果表明该地区主要发育NE 20°~40°和NW 20°~40°优势构造成因裂隙,裂隙发育数量呈现先减小后逐渐增大并维持较稳定数量的变化趋势。以此可为评价洞库围岩稳定性、水幕系统水封效果等提供了可靠的数据支持。     

Treatment of the seepage problems at the Kalecik Dam (Turkey)

This paper describes the seepage prevention measures at Kalecik Dam. Water leaked from the foundation of the dam after the impoundment. The dam, 77 m in height, was constructed for irrigation purposes.

The foundation consists of Mesozoic ophiolite, Paleocene allochthonous units composed of different lithologies and Miocene conglomerate. Karstified and fractured Paleocene limestone outcrops on the right bank of the dam foundation. This unit extends into, and its thickness increases within, the right abutment. The leakage occurs towards the downstream springs through the right bank limestone.

The main grout curtain is 200 m long and 60 m deep and was constructed on the right bank. After reservoir impounding, new springs were observed in the downstream area. Therefore, after the construction of the dam, remedial curtain grouting was required and carried out in three stages. Firstly, the main grout curtain was supplemented by additional grouting to seal the fractures and infill karstic cavities. The diversion tunnel was also repaired. The curtain depth was the same as the depth of the previous curtain. The second stage of additional treatment consisted of new deep grouting. Some investigation holes were also drilled along the same alignment as the main curtain to locate the seepage in the region. These holes were extended to an elevation of 442 m. The final stage of grouting measures was between the spillway and the dam body and underneath the spillway.

As a result of the additional grouting measures, the spring discharges observed downstream of the dam embankment decreased. However, the seepage paths were extended and were moved with time so that the seepage problems are still continuing.     

塔北哈拉哈塘奥陶系碳酸盐岩岩溶储层发育特征及主要岩溶期次

位于塔北隆起中部的哈拉哈塘地区,具有良好的油气成藏条件,是近期塔北油气勘探的突破新区,勘探的主要目标是奥陶系碳酸盐岩岩溶储层。本文通过对区域沉积、构造演化背景的分析,利用钻井、岩芯、地震等资料,对本区岩溶型储层的沉积和成岩作用特征进行了研究,探讨了储层发育的主要岩溶阶段、岩溶模式及主控因素。结果表明哈拉哈塘地区奥陶系碳酸盐岩岩溶储层的主体在一间房组和鹰山组一段,储集空间主要为近层状分布的溶蚀孔洞/洞穴和裂缝,岩溶储层的发育主要受控于一间房组沉积末期的准同生期岩溶和志留系沉积之前的表生期(潜山+顺层)岩溶。前一期岩溶具有区域分布较均匀、规模较小的特点;后一期岩溶在前期岩溶的基础上发育,并根据古地貌的差异在平面上分为4个区:北部Ⅰ区一间房组直接暴露,发育古潜山岩溶;Ⅱ区一间房组之上覆盖了厚度不等的吐木休克组、良里塔格组和桑塔木组,岩溶主要受控于河流和断裂的下切及由北部Ⅰ区地表水补给的地下水顺层岩溶;南部的Ⅲ区和Ⅳ区发育顺层及沿断裂的岩溶和淡水与南部海水的混合水岩溶。在以上两期主要岩溶作用的影响下,哈拉哈塘一间房组和鹰山组一段地层发育近层状岩溶洞穴、孔洞、角砾孔和裂缝,形态多变,具有极强的非均质性。