Electrical resistivity use in the design of a drainage structure

This study discusses the effects of a rise in groundwater level on a platform for building construction for residential use in a training school, located west of Algiers (Algeria). To ensure the protection of the residential area, it was necessary to design and implant an efficient drainage system. It was then important to determine the depth of the dry ground and the extent of saturated ground. Geophysical exploration using electrical resistivity methods allowed the accurate measurement of these different levels. To check the horizontal continuity of the low resistivity values distribution of the groundwater level, two electrical imaging profiles were done. The results of the geophysical survey were used to determine the characteristics of the necessary drainage system, its implementation on site, its optimum orientation (perpendicular to groundwater flow) and its required depth. Also, in the residential area affected by the problem of rising groundwater level, appropriate observation sites were installed allowing the carrying out of hydrogeological measurements. These additional works have been performed to understand the characteristics of the groundwater, especially its flow and its groundwater level, to be able to determine the optimal diameter of the drain.