Investigation of leakage problem at the Shah-Ghasem Dam by hydrogeological analysis

Karst regions have been considered unsuitable for dam construction because of complex hydrogeological characteristics. The most frequent problem at the karst dam sites is water leakage from the reservoirs. The Shah Ghasem Dam with a reservoir capacity of 9 million cubic meters, was constructed at the south of Yasouj City to regulate water flow of Shah Ghasem Spring. The dam is located on the northern limb of Shah Ghasem Anticline, a fold which is mainly composed of the marlstone layers of the Pabdeh-Gurpi Formation, alternative marlstone and limestone layers of Transition Zone and karst limestone belonging to the Asmari-Jahrom Formation. The reservoir water is in direct contact with the impermeable Pabdeh-Gurpi Formation, karstic Asmari Formations and their transition zone. By starting of dam operation in 1996, leakage occurred from the reservoir through the limestone layers of the Asmari Formation and Transition Zone. To reduce leakage, ten boreholes were drilled and grouted, but no effect on leakage amount was observed. The main object of this study is to determine leakage paths at the Shah Ghasem Dam reservoir, by considering the geological and hydrogeological settings, water pressure tests, cement consumption, and time series of water table in the reservoir and downstream boreholes. Results indicated that an extensive treatment work was needed to reduce the water leakage amount, but performing a benefit cost analysis was required to make a proper decision. Moreover, the karst aquifer at the northern limb of the anticline was recharging by the reservoir leakage water, supplying downstream drinking water.