This project examines the various approaches to investigating defects in dam embankments.
Observation and visual inspection are used as preliminary techniques and then geophysical
methods are employed to ascertain the presence and extent of these defects in earth dams that could
compromise their safety and predispose them to failure. As the main defects in earth dams are
seepage – related, these methods mostly target seepage evaluation. A case study of Katete Dam,
located in Zambia is used. Since preliminary findings pointed to seepage, this report presents a
systematic dam assessment program that successfully applied the geophysical techniques of ERT
and Seismic refraction to delineate the seepage location as well as the flow path of the seeping
water.
Key Words: Safety, geophysical methods, failure, Seepage