Theory 63/Engineering & infrastructure/Dam seepage
Seepage Is Gradient Against Grout
The claim
Seepage under a dam is set by the ratio of hydraulic gradient to the effectiveness of the cutoff, so a deep cutoff reduces flow more than wide grouting.
01Mechanism
Flow follows the path of least resistance; the ratio determines the remaining path.
02Prediction
Seepage should track the ratio.
03Refutation
Seepage tracking reservoir level would remove the cutoff.