SolutionsGeotechnical Lab
Bringing Powertech’s Expertise into the Field
Lab-quality testing, diagnostics, and inspections—on site
Our specialized lab is equipped with advanced equipment to evaluate filter performance in embankment dams across a wide range of soil types, from fine-grained materials to coarse particles.
- Internal Stability
- Filter compatibility: CEF, NEF
- Filter collapsibility: Flume test, Sand Castle test
- Dispersibility: Pinhole, Double Hydrometer
- Hole Erosion Test (HET)
Core Services
Testing of Fill Materials for Embankment Dams
Internal erosion represents a significant risk to embankment dams and accounts for nearly half of all dam safety incidents. Due to challenges with assessing internal erosion in-situ and the lack of availability of numerical models, non-standardized laboratory tests and empirical methods are primarily relied on. Powertech has developed advanced test equipment to evaluate filter performance in embankment dams across a wide range of soil types, from fine-grained materials to coarse particles up to 125 mm.
Internal stability testing
Assessment of the internal stability (suffusion) of embankment dam material can be performed to establish the critical gradient where instability occurs. This test can be conducted with either upward or downward seepage flow, and at low or high gradients (0.1 to 20).
Filter Compatibility Testing / Continuing Erosion Filter (CEF) Test
Many embankment dams were constructed before modern filter design criteria were established. As a result, some existing dams either lack a formal filter zone or have filters that do not meet current standards. Although some older embankments may still be capable of limiting erosion or self-healing after minor internal erosion events, it is important to understand how the core and filter materials interact. Our laboratory conducts Continuing Erosion Filter (CEF) tests to evaluate the compatibility between base and filter soils and to characterize the extent of erosion that may occur under controlled seepage conditions.
Flume Testing
Powertech conducts flume testing on filter materials to determine erosion characteristics and evaluate performance in the presence of a crack. We have developed 5x1m fully instrumented testing apparatus and validated test procedures for assessing the filtering performance of a cracked filter. This test will be used to evaluate the response of a granular filter subjected to a concentrated leak.
Other soil testing capabilities:
- Thermal resistivity measurements (field and laboratory)
- Electrical resistivity measurements (field and laboratory)
- Pinhole test for dispersive soils
- Sandcastle test for assessing collapsibility of filters
- Hole Erosion test for erodibility of soils
- Index testing (sieve analysis, hydrometer, Atterberg limits, standard or modified compaction)
Soil Thermal Resistivity Testing
A crucial part of designing cable systems and thermal storage facilities is estimating the thermal behavior of the soil. Powertech provides field and laboratory testing services to measure the Thermal Resistivity (TR) of native soils or backfill materials required for underground power lines.
Field Testing
Powertech is equipped to provide onsite testing in the area in which cables or thermal storage facilities are proposed to be installed. Representative samples can then be collected and brought back to the lab for further testing.
Laboratory Testing
Soil samples taken back to the Powertech laboratory undergo further evaluation. Thermal resistivity of backfill materials is measured by compacting the sample to the specified density and optimum moisture in the laboratory. Each sample will be dried to identify thermal resistivity with variations of moisture content. The density and water content play an important role in determining the soil thermal resistivity.
Backfill Material Recommendation
In cases when the soil samples indicate that the thermal dissipation is not suitable, Powertech can provide testing and evaluation of various potential backfill materials for you and make a recommendation on the most suitable for your needs.
Why Choose Powertech?
More than following the industry's most stringent standards, we help define them.
Integrated
with lab testing and engineering analysis for full lifecycle support
Experienced
backed by years of world class service
Trusted
by utilities and dam owners for dam safety projects
Equipped
with specilaize and state of the art equipment for reliable results
Our Clients and Partners
BC Hydro
Grant PUD
California Department of Water
ATCO
Alstom
ABB
General Electric
AFL
Hubbell
"Our on-site inspections and testing go beyond collecting data; they provide the reliable insights you need to make confident decisions about your equipment's health and future performance."
Reza Soltani
Division Manager, Field Assets Services & Testing
From the lab to the line—we bring insight to where it matters most.
Powertech’s Field Services team delivers critical expertise to the field, connecting physical performance with data-backed decision making. Whether you're responding to a failure, commissioning new assets, or need help to assess the condition of your assets, we’re ready to support you.
Reza Soltani
Division Manager, Field Asset Services & Testing
email us | 604.590.7500
Start a conversation with our team.
Fill out the form here to get in touch.