Detection of Leakage Areas in an Earth Embankment from GPR Measurements and Permeability Logging

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) is a nondestructive method allowing the improvement of our knowledge ofcivil engineering structures. In particular, this method may be a nondestructive efficient tool for dike diagnosisand complete classical geotechnical methods. In this paper, we present GPR observations obtained on an earthembankment (crest and sloped paved revetment) in bad condition and located on the lateral canal of the Loireriver (Saint Firmin, 80 km South East of Orléans). These measurements are combined with corings, visualinspection, and permeability logging performed with an updated drilling system, the Perméafor. This survey leads(i) to the detection of decompressed zones associated with leakage areas visible at the foot of the downstreamslope and (ii) to the location of potentials voids underneath the paved revetment. This multidisciplinary approachcomplied with the dike inspection methodology proves its efficiency for the assessment of earth embankments.