Verfahren zur Kontrolle und Überwachung des Zustandes von Deichen, Dämmen, Wehren oder dergleichen

A process and a device for the inspection and monitoring of the condition of dykes, dams, weirs, etc., in which the temperature distribution at least over sections along the inside of the dyke is determined, beneath the top or bottom of the dyke, by means of a distributed temperature sensor, e.g. a fibre-optic sensor cable subjected to light from a laser. By evaluating the intensity of backscattered laser light and determination of the transit time, it is possible to ascertain local anomalies in the temperature distribution, from which conclusions can be drawn regarding the presence and size of the leak. The curve of the temperature distribution is a reliable means for establishing the direction of movement or flow. The fibre-optic sensor cable used by way of example should preferably be arranged inside an infiltration ditch along the dyke and oriented towards the inside end of the dyke base.