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Geophysical Methods

An article on Geophysical Methods of land exploration

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zishtiaque
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53 views

Geophysical Methods

An article on Geophysical Methods of land exploration

Uploaded by

zishtiaque
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

CE 290
Details of Construction

Assignment No: 04
Name of the Assignment:
Short Notes on the 4 Geophysical methods of Soil
Investigation

Submitted by:

Name: Ishtiaque Zaman


Student ID: 2016007
Level-Term: 2-1
Department of Water Resources Engineering.

Date of Submission:
Soil investigation, also known as soil exploration or geotechnical investigation,
is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information
about the soil and subsurface conditions at a specific location. This process is
essential in civil engineering, construction, and geotechnical engineering to
understand the characteristics of the soil and rock beneath the ground surface.
The information obtained from soil investigation is crucial for making informed
decisions in the design and construction of structures, foundations, and other
engineering projects. There are four distinct methods for soil investigation.
Geophysical method is one of them.
Geophysical Methods of soil investigation involve the use of non-invasive
techniques to study the subsurface properties of the Earth, including soil and
rock formations. These methods utilize physical principles to measure and
analyze variations in the physical properties of the subsurface materials.
Geophysical investigations are valuable for providing information about the
composition, structure, and other characteristics of the subsurface without the
need for extensive drilling or excavation. Here are four common geophysical
methods used in soil investigation:

Seismic Refraction Method


This soil exploration method is based on the principle that sound waves travel
faster in rock than in soil. This is on account of the fact that velocity of sound
waves is different in different media. In this method shock waves (or sound
waves of vibration) are created into the soil at ground level or at a certain depth
below it, either by striking a plate on the soil with the hammer or by exploding
small charge in the soil. The shock waves so produced travel down in the sub-
soil strata and get refracted after striking a hard rock surface below. The
refracted or radiated shock waves are picked up by the vibration detector (also
known as geophone) where the time of travel of the shock waves gets recorded.
Knowing the time of travel of the primary and refracted waves at various
geophones, tune and distance graphs are drawn based on which it is possible
to evaluate the depth of various strata in the sub-soil. Different materials such
as clay, gravel, silt rock, hard rock etc. have characteristics seismic velocities
and hence it is possible to establish their identity in the sub-soil based on time
distance graph.
Figure 1: Seismic Refraction Method

Electrical Resistivity Method


Apparent resistivity is plotted against electrode spacing in a log-log graph. If the
resistivity of the upper layer is lower than that of the lower layer, a curve type A
is obtained. The curves become asymptotic to lines representing the true
resistivities R1 and R2 of the representative layers. Approximate layer thickness
can be obtained by comparing the observed curve of resistivity versus electrode
spacing with a set of standard curves.
The profiling method is used when the lateral variation of soil strata is to be
investigated. A series of readings are taken, keeping the electrode spacing the
same, the four electrodes are moved laterally as a unit for successive reading.
Apparent resistivity is plotted against the center position of the four electrodes,
to a natural scale. These plots can be used to locate the positions of the soil of
high or low resistivity.
The mean resistivity is calculated by the following formula:-

P = 2 π D (E/I)

Where,

P = mean resistivity (ohm.cm)


D = distance between electrodes (cm)
E =potential drop between inner electrodes (volts)
I = current flowing between outer electrodes (amperes)

Average value of resistivity for various types of soils have already been
established based on tests. Thus on knowing the values of change in mean
resistivity of sub-soil strata at site, it is possible to establish the nature and
distribution of different type of soils in the formation.

Figure 2: Electrical Resistivity Method


Magnetic Method
The magnetic method of site exploration is a geophysical technique used to
investigate subsurface conditions by measuring variations in the Earth's
magnetic field. The procedure begins with defining survey objectives and
conducting a site reconnaissance to identify potential sources of interference.
Instruments, typically magnetometers, are then calibrated, and a survey grid
is established over the target area.
Baseline measurements are taken to record the ambient magnetic field, and
systematic data acquisition follows across the grid. Quality control measures
are implemented to ensure accurate readings, and additional data, such as
gradients or temporal variations, may be collected based on survey goals.
The acquired data undergoes processing to remove noise and enhance
subsurface signals.
Interpretation of processed data involves identifying magnetic anomalies,
which may indicate variations in subsurface materials, geological structures,
or buried objects. Cross-validation with other geophysical or geological data
enhances the reliability of interpretations. The final step includes mapping
anomalies and presenting findings in a comprehensive report.
This non-invasive method finds applications in various fields, including
archaeology, geological mapping, mineral exploration, environmental studies,
and infrastructure planning. Successful execution of the magnetic method
requires careful consideration of calibration, interference mitigation, and grid
design to ensure accurate and meaningful results for subsurface
investigations.

Figure 3: Tools for Magnetic Method


Gravitational Method
The gravitational method of site exploration is a geophysical approach that
utilizes variations in the Earth's gravitational field to investigate subsurface
conditions. The survey begins with a clear definition of objectives, followed by
a site reconnaissance to identify potential sources of interference.
Gravimeters, calibrated for accuracy, are then used to measure gravitational
variations across a grid established over the survey area.
Baseline measurements are taken to record ambient gravitational
acceleration, and data is systematically acquired across the grid. Quality
control measures are implemented to ensure accurate readings, and data
processing involves removing noise and enhancing subsurface signals.
Interpretation of processed data helps identify gravitational anomalies,
indicative of subsurface variations such as changes in material density or
geological structures.
Correlation with other geophysical or geological data enhances the reliability
of interpretations. The final step involves mapping and reporting, presenting
findings in a comprehensive report that includes recommendations for further
investigation or action.
Considerations during the survey include calibration, weather conditions,
interference mitigation, and grid design. The gravitational method finds
applications in identifying density anomalies associated with geological
structures, changes in rock types, and buried features. Successful execution
requires careful planning to ensure accurate and meaningful results for
subsurface investigations.

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