Seismic Refraction Method

Abstract

Seismic methods are applied primarily in order to determine quasi-homogeneous zonesaccording to parameters of fragmentation, physical and chemical weathering anddeformability of rock masses and cohesionless soil. Applied seismic methods comprisesending impulses underground and registering the resulting refracted arrivals from subsurfaceinterfaces on a number of receivers positioned on or near the surface. Times elapsed fromsending to receiving seismic waves depend on depths of studied structures and propagationvelocities of seismic waves along paths of their propagation from the source to the refractor(or reflector) to the receiver.This paper presents two examples of preparation of seismic sections as a basis forgeotechnical design of foundations. Both examples are presentations of an optimum programof exploratory boring supplemented by results of deep seismic refraction studies.Results of geophysical investigations should be included in the data obtained bygeological mapping, which will in correlation with drilling results complete the picture ofgeological structure of terrain and facilitate categorization of materials and rocks for thepurpose of developing the engineering and hydrogeological profile as a base for designers inthe project execution stage.