JOURNAL OF THE BALKAN GEOPHYSICAL SOCIETY, Vol. 2, No 4, November 1999, p. 120-127, 6 figs.

Geophysical prospecting in the Akropotamos dam (N. Greece)

by GPR and VLF methods

Alexandros S. Savvaidis, Gregory N. Tsokas, George Vargemezis and George Dimopoulos

Geophysical Laboratory, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54006, Thessaloniki, Greece

(E-mail: alekos@lemnos.geo.auth.gr)

Laboratory of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54006 Thessaloniki, Greece

( Received 9 September 1999; accepted 30 October 1999 )

Abstract: The present work demonstrates the application of two geophysical methods in the studies for the foundation of a dam in Northern Greece. The VLF and the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) were employed to investigate specific problems concerning the near surface tectonic setting. The local geological setting is relatively simple and it consists of granodiorite marbles and colluvial deposits.

The VLF method was mainly used for the detection of the fault zones in the area that intersects the axis of the dam. The GPR method was used for a detailed study of the fractures in the area. The high-resolution capability of the method resulted in recording the cracks of the main geological formation of the area. The combined use of the two mentioned geophysical methods helped to reveal the large and small-scale fracture zones found in the area of the dam.

Key Words: GPR, VLF, Dam foundation.