Using near-surface seismic refraction tomography and multichannel analysis of surface waves to detect shallow tunnels: A feasibility study

2013 ◽  
Vol 99 ◽  
pp. 60-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven D. Sloan ◽  
Jeffery J. Nolan ◽  
Seth W. Broadfoot ◽  
Jason R. McKenna ◽  
Owen M. Metheny
2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-162
Author(s):  
B Butchibabu ◽  
Prosanta Kumar Khan ◽  
P C Jha

Abstract This study aims for the protection of a crude-oil pipeline, buried at a shallow depth, against a probable environmental hazard and pilferage. Both surface and borehole geophysical techniques such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), ground penetrating radar (GPR), surface seismic refraction tomography (SRT), cross-hole seismic tomography (CST) and cross-hole seismic profiling (CSP) were used to map the vulnerable zones. Data were acquired using ERT, GPR and SRT along the pipeline for a length of 750 m, and across the pipeline for a length of 4096 m (over 16 profiles of ERT and SRT with a separation of 50 m) for high-resolution imaging of the near-surface features. Borehole techniques, based on six CSP and three CST, were carried out at potentially vulnerable locations up to a depth of 30 m to complement the surface mapping with high-resolution imaging of deeper features. The ERT results revealed the presence of voids or cavities below the pipeline. A major weak zone was identified at the central part of the study area extending significantly deep into the subsurface. CSP and CST results also confirmed the presence of weak zones below the pipeline. The integrated geophysical investigations helped to detect the old workings and a deformation zone in the overburden. These features near the pipeline produced instability leading to deformation in the overburden, and led to subsidence in close vicinity of the concerned area. The area for imminent subsidence, proposed based on the results of the present comprehensive geophysical investigations, was found critical for the pipeline.


Geophysics ◽  
1951 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milton B. Dobrin

A non‐mathematical summary is presented of the published theories and observations on dispersion, i.e., variation of velocity with frequency, in surface waves from earthquakes and in waterborne waves from shallow‐water explosions. Two further instances are cited in which dispersion theory has been used in analyzing seismic data. In the seismic refraction survey of Bikini Atoll, information on the first 400 feet of sediments below the lagoon bottom could not be obtained from ground wave first arrival times because shot‐detector distances were too great. Dispersion in the water waves, however, gave data on speed variations in the bottom sediments which made possible inferences on the recent geological history of the atoll. Recent systematic observations on ground roll from explosions in shot holes have shown dispersion in the surface waves which is similar in many ways to that observed in Rayleigh waves from distant earthquakes. Classical wave theory attributes Rayleigh wave dispersion to the modification of the waves by a surface layer. In the case of earthquakes, this layer is the earth’s crust. In the case of waves from shot‐holes, it is the low‐speed weathered zone. A comparison of observed ground roll dispersion with theory shows qualitative agreement, but it brings out discrepancies attributable to the fact that neither the theory for liquids nor for conventional solids applies exactly to unconsolidated near‐surface rocks. Additional experimental and theoretical study of this type of surface wave dispersion may provide useful information on the properties of the surface zone and add to our knowledge of the mechanism by which ground roll is generated in seismic shooting.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 245-254
Author(s):  
Peter J. Hutchinson ◽  
Maggie H. Tsai

ABSTRACT Near-surface seismic refraction tomography imaged the basal contact of the Upper Cambrian silica-rich Mount Simon Formation with that of the underlying Precambrian granite in central Wisconsin. The discrimination between the Mount Simon and underlying non-conformable contact with Precambrian rocks was based upon a p-wave velocity of 1,700 m/s. Refraction tomography imaged deep, broad tidal channels within the Mount Simon consistent with the inference that Mount Simon was deposited in a high-energy near-shore, probably fluvial environment. The Mount Simon is an arenite that has high commercial value.


2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-484
Author(s):  
Cengiz Kurtuluş ◽  
Ibrahim Sertcelik ◽  
Fadime Sertçelik ◽  
Hamdullah Livaoğlu ◽  
Cüneyt Şaş

In this study, shallow seismic surveys, including seismic refraction, Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), Refraction Microtremor (ReMi), and Microtremor measurements were conducted to estimate site characterization at 26 strong-motion stations of AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency) in the province of Hatay, situated in one of the most seismically active regions in southern Turkey. The Horizontal to vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique was applied, using smoothed Fourier spectra derived from a long duration series to determine dominant frequency values at different amplification levels. Shear wave velocity up to 30 m of the ground was detected with MASW analysis. In the ReMi analysis, up to 80 m was reached with a corresponding average of 650 m/s shear wave velocity. The shear wave velocities estimated by the MASW method up to 30 m were compared with those found by the ReMi method, and they were observed to be very compatible. The province of Hatay was classified according to Vs30 based NEHRP Provisions, Eurocode-8, the Turkish Building Earthquake Regulation (TBDY-2018), and Rodriguez-Marek et al. (2001). The shear-wave velocity (Vs30), Horizontal to Vertical ratio’s (H/V) peak amplitude, dominant period, and site class of each site were determined. The H/V peak amplitudes range between 1.9 and 7.6, while the predominant periods vary from 0.23 sec to 2.94sec in the study area. These results are investigated to explain the consistency of site classification schemes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-38
Author(s):  
B. Butchibabu ◽  
Prosanta K. Khan ◽  
P.C. Jha

Geophysical investigations were carried out for evaluation of damage and to assess the possible causes for repeated occurrence of damage at one of the buildings constructed for oil pumping in the northern part of India. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT) techniques were adopted for studying the subsurface of the area around the building with an objective of ascertaining the cause of damage. High resolution imaging was done using both the techniques in this investigation. ERT delineated the presence of low resistivity (2 ohm-m) water filled voids below the structures and mapped different subsurface layers such as sandy soil, clay and sandstone in the study area. SRT revealed P-wave velocity ( V P ) of the subsurface medium in the range of 400–3,400 m/s. Corresponding densities and S-wave velocities ( V S ) were determined based on Gardner's and Castagna's relationships. Subsequently, the V P , V S and the modulus values were used in estimating compressibility of soil and rock strata. Results showed near surface layers were characterized by high compressibility (26.673 × 10 −5 Pa −1 ), decreases with depth. This paper presents the details of the site, techniques used in the investigation and correlation of geophysical results with lithological information, and the subsequent analysis for understanding the distress in the subsurface of the study area.


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