ABSTRACT
Due to long spells of droughts, embankments can desiccate. Dikes constructed of high plasticity clays can crack. These cracks can be detected by visual inspection, site investigation, or geoelectric resistivity. We aimed to identify areas with geoelectric measurements that are desiccated and vulnerable to fissuring. To better understand the cracks’ cause, geophysical measurements and traditional geotechnical investigations were carried out on a dike section where cracks on the paved crest were already visible. A soil moisture monitoring system was already installed at one of the investigated sections. Geophysical measurements can identify large areas of desiccated embankment slopes, while geotechnical drillings and sensors can only be at point locations. Geophysical measurements can only be used to identify desiccated areas if it is known that the investigated embankment is relatively homogeneous. Electric resistivity and moisture content correlation were done based on the field measurements.
