Investigating accuracy of geoelectric method in construction of underground dams in low-water and desert areas (Case study: Dehbakri area of Kerman province)

Underground dams can be a very suitable alternative to check dams so that in recent decades due to their privileged characteristics, they have attracted the attention of various researchers around the world. Geoelectric samples were carried out at the axle and reservoir of Dehbakri underground dam by sondage putting method and with using Schlumberge array. These samples were performed during 6 profiles (P1 to P6) and 32 electric sondage. The results of geoelectric studies indicate that there is a two-layer model along the geoelectric sections that the upper layer has alluvial and the underlying layer has bedrock. Alluvial layer is divided into dry parts at the top and wet parts at the bottom. The depth of reaching groundwater level varies in different parts of the study area, but on average it can be considered 5 meters. Alluvial thickness also varies during profiles, but the highest thickness is generally in the middle parts of the geoelectric sections and more close to the right support. The highest alluvial thickness was estimated at the S26 catheter site and 13 meters. Considering the specific electrical resistance scale of the layers and considering the rock outcrops on both sides of the river, it seems that the bedrock in most places has alternating lithology made of shale, marl and sandstone and in some parts of the marl material.