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ASTM D5777-18
Standard Guide for Using the Seismic Refraction Method for Subsurface Investigation
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STANDARD published on 15.12.2018
The information about the standard:
Designation standards: ASTM D5777-18
Publication date standards: 15.12.2018
SKU: NS-911013
The number of pages: 14
Approximate weight : 42 g (0.09 lbs)
Country: American technical standard
Category: Technical standards ASTM
The category - similar standards:
Annotation of standard text ASTM D5777-18 :
Keywords:
geophysics, refraction, seismic refraction, surface geophysics,, ICS Number Code 13.080.01 (Soil quality in general)
Additional information
| Significance and Use | ||||||||||||||||||||
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5.1 Concepts: 5.1.1 This guide summarizes the equipment, field procedures, and interpretation methods used for the determination of the depth, thickness and the seismic velocity of subsurface soil and rock or engineered materials, using the seismic refraction method. 5.1.2 Measurement of subsurface conditions by the seismic refraction method requires a seismic energy source, trigger cable (or radio link), geophones, geophone cable, and a seismograph (see Fig. 1). 5.1.7 The arrival of energy from the seismic source at each geophone is recorded by the seismograph (Fig. 3). The travel time (the time it takes for the seismic P-wave to travel from the seismic energy source to the geophone(s)) is determined from each waveform. The unit of time is usually milliseconds (1 ms = 0.001 s). 5.1.8 The travel times are plotted against the distance between the source and the geophone to make a time distance plot. Fig. 4 shows the source and geophone layout and the resulting idealized time distance plot for a horizontal two-layered earth. 5.1.10.2 Crossover distance formula: where: 5.2.2 P-wave velocities are generally greater
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5.2.2.1 Denser rocks than lighter rocks; 5.2.2.2 Older rocks than younger rocks; 5.2.2.3 Igneous rocks than sedimentary rocks; 5.2.2.4 Solid rocks than rocks with cracks or fractures; 5.2.2.5 Unweathered rocks than weathered rocks; 5.2.2.6 Consolidated sediments than unconsolidated sediments; 5.2.2.7 Water-saturated unconsolidated sediments than dry unconsolidated sediments; and 5.2.2.8 Wet soils than dry soils. 5.3 Equipment—Geophysical equipment used for surface seismic refraction measurement includes a seismograph, geophones, geophone cable, an energy source and a trigger cable or radio link. A wide variety of seismic geophysical equipment is available and the choice of equipment for a seismic refraction survey should be made in order to meet the objectives of the survey. 5.3.1 Seismographs—A wide variety of seismographs are available from different manufacturers. They range from relatively simple, single-channel units to very sophisticated multichannel units. Most engineering seismographs sample, record and display the seismic wave digitally. 5.3.1.1 Single Channel Seismograph—A single channel seismograph is the simplest seismic refraction instrument and is normally used with a single geophone. The geophone is usually placed at a fixed location and the ground is struck with the hammer at increasing distances from the geophone. First seismic wave arrival times (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) are identified on the instrument display of the seismic waveform. For some simple geologic conditions and small projects a single-channel unit is satisfactory. Single channel systems are also used to measure the seismic velocity of rock samples or engineered materials. 5.3.1.2 Multi-Channel Seismograph—Multi-channel seismographs use 6, 12, 24, 48 or more geophones. With a multi-channel seismograph, the seismic wave forms are recorded simultaneously for all geophones (see Fig. 3). 5.3.1.3 The simultaneous display of waveforms enables the operator to observe trends in the data and helps in making reliable picks of first arrival times. This is useful in areas that are seismically noisy and in areas with complex geologic conditions. Computer programs are available that help the interpreter pick the first arrival time. 5.3.1.4 Signal Enhancement—Signal enhancement using filtering and stacking that improve the signal to noise ratio is available in most seismographs. It is an aid when working in noisy areas or with small energy sources. Signal stacking is accomplished by adding the refracted seismic signals for a number of impacts. This process increases the signal to noise ratio by summing the amplitude of the coherent seismic signals while reducing the amplitude of the random noise by averaging. 5.3.2 Geophone and Cable: 5.3.2.1 A geophone transforms the 5.3.2.2 If connections between geophones and cables are not waterproof, care must be taken to assure they will not be shorted out by wet grass, rain, etc. Special waterproof geophones (marsh geophones), geophone cables and connectors are required for areas covered with shallow water. 5.3.3 Energy Sources: 5.3.3.1 The selection of seismic refraction energy sources is dependent upon the depth of investigation and geologic conditions. Four types of energy sources are commonly used in seismic refraction surveys: sledge hammers, mechanical weight drop or impact devices, projectile (gun) sources, and explosives. 5.3.3.2 For shallow depths of investigation, 5 to 10 m (15 to 30 ft), a 4 to 7 kg (10 to 15 lb) sledge hammer may be used. Three to five hammer blows using signal enhancement capabilities of the seismograph will usually be sufficient. A strike plate on the ground is used to improve the coupling of energy from the hammer to the soil. 5.3.3.3 For deeper investigations in dry and loose materials, more seismic energy is required, and a mechanized or a projectile (gun) source may be selected. Projectile sources are discharged at or below the ground surface. Mechanical seismic sources use a large weight (of about 100 to 500 lb or 45 to 225 kg) that is dropped or driven downward under power. Mechanical weight drops are usually trailer mounted because of their size. 5.3.3.4 A small amount of explosives provides a substantial increase in energy levels. Explosive charges are usually buried to reduce energy losses and for safety reasons. Burial of small amounts of explosives (less than 1 lb or 0.5 kg) at 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) is effective for shallow depths of investigation (less than 300 ft or 100 m) if backfilled and tamped. For greater depths of investigation (below 300 ft or 100 m), larger explosives charges (greater than 1 lb or 0.5 kg) are required and usually are buried 2 m (6 ft) deep or more. Use of explosives requires specially-trained personnel and special procedures. 5.3.4 Timing—A timing signal at the time of impact (5.4 Limitations and Interference: 5.4.1 General Limitations Inherent to Geophysical Methods: 5.4.1.1 A fundamental limitation of all geophysical methods is that a given set of data cannot be associated with a unique set of subsurface conditions. In most situations, surface geophysical measurements alone cannot resolve all ambiguities, and some additional information, such as borehole data, is required. Because of this inherent limitation in the geophysical methods, a seismic refraction survey is not a complete assessment of subsurface conditions. Properly integrated with other geologic information, seismic refraction surveying is an effective, accurate, and cost-effective method of obtaining subsurface information. 5.4.1.2 All surface geophysical methods are inherently limited by decreasing resolution with depth. 5.4.2 Limitations Specific to the Seismic Refraction Method: 5.4.2.1 When refraction measurements are made over a layered earth, the seismic velocity of the layers are assumed to be uniform and isotropic. If actual conditions in the subsurface layers deviate significantly from this idealized model, then any interpretation also deviates from the ideal. An increasing error is introduced in the depth calculations as the angle of dip of the layer increases. The error is a function of dip angle and the velocity contrast between dipping layers (8, 9). 5.4.2.2 Another limitation inherent to seismic refraction surveys is referred to as a blind-zone problem 5.4.2.3 A layer must also have a sufficient thickness in order to be detected (10). 5.4.2.4 If a layer has a seismic velocity lower than that of the layer above it (a velocity reversal), the low seismic velocity layer cannot be detected. As a result, the computed depths of deeper layers are greater than the actual depths (although the most common geologic condition is that of increasing seismic velocity with depth, there are situations in which seismic velocity reversals occur). Interpretation methods are available to address this problem in some instances (11). 5.4.3 Interferences Caused by Natural and by Cultural Conditions: 5.4.3.1 The seismic refraction method is sensitive to ground vibrations (time-variable noise) from a variety of sources. Geologic and cultural factors also produce unwanted noise. 5.4.3.2 Ambient Sources—Ambient sources of noise include any vibration of the ground due to wind, water movement (for example, waves breaking on a nearby beach), natural seismic activity, or by rainfall on the geophones. 5.4.3.3 Geologic Sources—Geologic sources of noise include unsuspected variations in travel time due to lateral and vertical variations in seismic velocity of subsurface layers (for example, the presence of large boulders within a soil). 5.4.3.4 Cultural Sources—Cultural sources of noise include vibration due to movement of the field crew, nearby vehicles, and construction equipment, aircraft, or blasting. Cultural factors such as buried structures under or near the survey line also may lead to unsuspected variations in travel time. Nearby powerlines may induce noise in long geophone cables. 5.4.3.5 During the course of designing and carrying out a refraction survey, sources of ambient, geologic, and cultural noise should be considered and its time of occurrence and location noted. The interference is not always predictable because it depends upon the magnitude of the noises and the geometry and spacing of the geophones and source. 5.5 Alternative Methods—The limitations discussed above may prevent the use of the seismic refraction method, and other geophysical or non-geophysical methods may be required to investigate subsurface conditions (see Guide D5753). |
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1.1 Purpose and Application—This guide covers the equipment, field procedures, and interpretation methods for the assessment of subsurface conditions using the seismic refraction method. Seismic refraction measurements as described in this guide are applicable in mapping subsurface conditions for various uses including geologic, geotechnical, hydrologic, environmental 1.1.1 The geotechnical industry uses English or SI units. 1.2 Limitations: 1.2.1 This guide provides an overview of the seismic refraction method using compressional (P) waves. It does not address the details of the seismic refraction theory, field procedures, or interpretation of the data. Numerous references are included for that purpose and are considered an essential part of this guide. It is recommended that the user of the seismic refraction method be familiar with the relevant material in this guide and the references cited in the text and with appropriate ASTM standards cited in 2.1. 1.2.2 This guide is limited to the commonly used approach to seismic refraction measurements made on land. The seismic refraction method can be adapted for a number of special uses, on land, within a borehole and on water. However, a discussion of these other adaptations of seismic refraction measurements is not included in this guide. 1.2.3 There are certain cases in which shear waves need to be measured to satisfy project requirements. The measurement of seismic shear waves is a subset of seismic refraction. This guide is not intended to include this topic and focuses only on 1.2.4 The approaches suggested in this guide for the seismic refraction method are commonly used, widely accepted, and proven; however, other approaches or modifications to the seismic refraction method that are technically sound may be substituted. 1.2.5 Technical limitations and interferences of the seismic refraction method are discussed in D420, D653, D2845, D4428/D4428M, D5088, D5730, D5753, D6235, and D6429. 1.3 Precautions: 1.3.1 It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to follow any precautions within the equipment manufacturer's recommendations, establish appropriate health and safety practices, and consider the safety and regulatory implications when explosives are used. 1.3.2 If the method is applied at sites with hazardous materials, operations, or equipment, it is the responsibility of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of any regulations prior to use. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this guide means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. |
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