Experience with the generalized reciprocal method of seismic refraction interpretation for shallow engineering site investigation

Geophysics ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-265 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. J. Hatherly ◽  
M. J. Neville
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Complex Environments ◽  
Site Investigations ◽  
Shallow Seismic ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Refraction Method ◽  
Close Cooperation ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Reciprocal Method

The shallow seismic refraction method has been used routinely during the initial investigation at many dam sites in New South Wales. By using computer processing techniques and advanced interpretational features of the generalized reciprocal method, it has been possible to derive a picture of the subsurface layering from the refraction results even in geologically complex environments. Close cooperation between the geophysicist and geologist is necessary to ensure proper use of the seismic results. The results may be used to guide subsequent drilling programs and to aid design and construction. This approach to engineering site investigations is demonstrated with results from two recent investigations.

The seismic refraction method: A viable tool for mapping shallow targets into the 1990s

Geophysics ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 54 (12) ◽  
pp. 1535-1542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Lankston
Keyword(s):  
Function Analysis ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Control Factor ◽  
A Value ◽  
Refraction Method ◽  
Refraction Seismic ◽  
Hidden Layer ◽  
Reciprocal Method ◽  
Interpretation Method

Geometrical considerations show that first arrivals can be recorded from below hidden layers. A certain minimum amount of data must be collected in order to resolve lateral versus vertical subsurface changes and thereby to determine the interpretation method. Field procedures, therefore, are independent of the interpretation method. The optimum XY parameter in the generalized reciprocal method (GRM) of processing refraction seismic data is significant as a quality control factor in refraction data interpretation. By comparison of the optimum XY value that is recovered through velocity analysis and time‐depth function analysis with a value for optimum XY that is calculated from the migrated depth section, the hidden‐layer condition can be recognized. In addition to identifying the hidden‐layer condition on the basis of first arrivals alone, the GRM allows the hidden layers to be accommodated; and depth precisions of less than 5% are possible.

A vertical array method for shallow seismic refraction surveying of the sea floor

Geophysics ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Hunter ◽  
S. E. Pullan
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Research Interest ◽  
Seismic Velocities ◽  
Vertical Array ◽  
Sea Floor ◽  
Site Investigations ◽  
Shallow Seismic ◽  
Continental Shelves ◽  
Defense Research ◽  
Research Studies

In recent years, specific requirements of offshore geotechnical site investigations, as well as detailed defense research studies, have stimulated research interest in methods for measuring seismic velocities of sea‐floor sediments on the continental shelves. Investigations have used wide‐angie subbottom reflection measurements (McKay and McKay, 1982), bottom‐laid refraction cables (Hunter et al., 1979), and towed refraction arrays, both on the surface (Hunter and Hobson, 1974) and at depth (Fortin et al., 1987; Fagot, 1983).

scholarly journals Comparison of seismic sources for shallow seismic: sledgehammer and pyrotechnics

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-45
Author(s):  
Aleksander Brom ◽  
Iwona Stan-Kłeczek
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Wave ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Seismic Source ◽  
Frequency Spectra ◽  
Seismic Engineering ◽  
Sound Effects ◽  
Shallow Seismic ◽  
Refraction Method ◽  
Seismic Refraction Method ◽  
Seismic Measurements

AbstractThe pyrotechnic materials are one of the types of the explosives materials which produce thermal, luminous or sound effects, gas, smoke and their combination as a result of a self-sustaining chemical reaction. Therefore, pyrotechnics can be used as a seismic source that is designed to release accumulated energy in a form of seismic wave recorded by tremor sensors (geophones) after its passage through the rock mass. The aim of this paper was to determine the utility of pyrotechnics for shallow seismic engineering. The work presented comparing the conventional method of seismic wave excitation for seismic refraction method like plate and hammer and activating of firecrackers on the surface. The energy released by various sources and frequency spectra was compared for the two types of sources. The obtained results did not determine which sources gave the better results but showed very interesting aspects of using pyrotechnics in seismic measurements for example the use of pyrotechnic materials in MASW.

Velocity inversion and the shallow seismic refraction method

1979 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 125-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Whiteley ◽  
Stewart A. Greenhalgh
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Velocity Inversion ◽  
Shallow Seismic ◽  
Refraction Method ◽  
Seismic Refraction Method

On: HAWKIN’S PAPER “THE RECIPROCAL METHOD OF ROUTINE SHALLOW SEISMIC REFRACTION INVESTIGATIONS” (GEOPHYSICS, DECEMBER, 1961, PP. 806–819)

Geophysics ◽  
1962 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 534-535
Author(s):  
J. G. Hagedoorn
Keyword(s):  
Small Group ◽  
Seismic Refraction ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Shallow Seismic ◽  
Reciprocal Method ◽  
Excellent Article

The “Review Article” by L. V. Hawkins in the December 1961 issue of Geophysics is an excellent article on the method used by a certain small group for the interpretation of shallow refraction work. However, it does not seem to give an unbiased review of methods generally used for this purpose and it describes a method that is rather unnecessarily complicated.

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