GEOTECHNICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE SELF POTENTIAL (SP) METHOD; REPORT 4: NUMERICAL MODELING OF SP ANOMALIES: DOCUMENTATION OF PROGRAM SPPC AND APPLICATIONS

This manual describes the theory and operations of program SPPC. This code is a microcomputer (PC) version of program SPXCPL which calculates the self potential anomaly due to fluid and thermal sources in geologic media. Fluid and heat flow generate significant electrical potentials due to cross-coupling between fluid and heat flow and the flow of electrical current. The SP anomalies are largest near the primary flow sources and in regions where the cross-coupling coefficients change (geological boundaries). Program SPPC allows for the forward model calculation of primary potential (pressure or temperature) and secondary potential (voltage) for discrete sources of heat or pressure in a two-dimensional model of the earth. The input for the program involves a small mesh where values are assigned for the permeability or thermal conductivity, cross-coupling coefficients, and electrical resistivity. The magnitude and location of the primary sources (fluid or heat flow) must also be specified. The output file provides values for the primary potential and voltage on the surface and throughout the two-dimensional model. The manual provides a discussion of the input parameters, a section on how to read the output, and some guidance on applying the program to physical problems. The program was validated with an analytical solution for a point pressure source in a homogeneous halfspace. A field example is also shown where SP data collected near a leaky dam site is used to locate the zone of leakage. The potential user of program SPPC is urged to read Report 3 ("Geotechnical Applications of the Self Potential Method; Development of Self Potential Interpretation Techniques for Seepage Detection," Corwin, 1989), in this series for guidance on obtaining the required modeling parameters.

• Corporate Authors:

  University of California, Berkeley

  Engineering Geosciences
  Berkeley, CA  United States  94720

  U.S. Army Waterways Experiment Station

  Geotechnical Laboratory, 3909 Halls Ferry Road
  Vicksburg, MS  United States  39180-6199
• Authors:
  • Wilt, M J
  • Butler, D K
• Publication Date: 1990-3

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 34 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Computer programs; Flow; Fluid dynamics; Geophysics; Heat flow; Manuals; Microcomputers; Seepage; Underground structures
• Uncontrolled Terms: Fluid flow
• Old TRIS Terms: Self potential; Underground
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways; Hydraulics and Hydrology; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00494542
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Tech Rept REMR-GT-6
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 31 1990 12:00AM