Distributed Temperature Sensors System. Field Tests On Earth Dam

The present paper examines the use of optical fiber as a distributed temperature sensor to detect leaks in earth dams. This real-time data acquisition technique complements current auscultation systems and improves monitoring of these critical infrastructures. The aim of this paper is to provide a practical illustration of this novel and promising technique and, particularly, of the precautions to consider to correctly deploy the sensor elements. For this last purpose, this document describes the field tests carried out on the Yesa dam in February 2017 and propose best practices concerning the implementation of the system. Keywords: Dam auscultation; Distributed temperature sensor; DTS; leak detection; earth dams