ASTM D7128-18
(Guide)Standard Guide for Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for Shallow Subsurface Investigation
Standard Guide for Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for Shallow Subsurface Investigation
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Concepts:
5.1.1 This guide summarizes the basic equipment, field procedures, and interpretation methods used for detecting, delineating, or mapping shallow subsurface features and relative changes in layer geometry or stratigraphy using the seismic-reflection method. Common applications of the method include mapping the top of bedrock, delineating bed or layer geometries, identifying changes in subsurface material properties, detecting voids or fracture zones, mapping faults, defining the top of the water table, mapping confining layers, and estimating of elastic-wave velocity in subsurface materials. Personnel requirements are as discussed in Practice D3740.
5.1.2 Subsurface measurements using the seismic-reflection method require a seismic source, multiple seismic sensors, multi-channel seismograph, and appropriate connections (radio or hardwire) between each (Fig. 1, also showing optional roll-along switch).
Seismic energy propagation time between seismic sensors depends on wave type, travel path, and seismic velocity of the material. The travel path of reflected body waves (compressional (P) and shear (S) waves) is controlled by subsurface material velocity and geometry of interfaces defined by acoustic impedance (product of velocity and density) changes. A difference in acoustic impedance between two layers results in an impedance contrast across the boundary separating the layers and determines the reflectivity (reflection coefficient) of the boundary; for example, how much energy is reflected versus how much is transmitted (Eq 3). At normal incidence:
where:
R = reflectivity = reflection coefficient, V1V2 = velocity of layers 1 and 2, ρ1ρ2 = density of layers 1 and 2, Vρ = acoustic impedance, and A = impedance contrast.
Snell’s law (Eq 4) describes the relationship between incident, refracted, and reflected seismic waves:
where:
i = incident angle, r = reflected angle, and t = re...
SCOPE
1.1 Purpose and Application:
1.1.1 This guide summarizes the technique, equipment, field procedures, data processing, and interpretation methods for the assessment of shallow subsurface conditions using the seismic-reflection method.
1.1.2 Seismic reflection measurements as described in this guide are applicable in mapping shallow subsurface conditions for various uses including geologic (1), geotechnical, hydrogeologic (2), and environmental (3).2 The seismic-reflection method is used to map, detect, and delineate geologic conditions including the bedrock surface, confining layers (aquitards), faults, lithologic stratigraphy, voids, water table, fracture systems, and layer geometry (folds). The primary application of the seismic-reflection method is the mapping of lateral continuity of lithologic units and, in general, detection of change in acoustic properties in the subsurface.
1.1.3 This guide will focus on the seismic-reflection method as it is applied to the near surface. Near-surface seismic reflection applications are based on the same principles as those used for deeper seismic reflection surveying, but accepted practices can differ in several respects. Near-surface seismic-reflection data are generally high-resolution (dominant frequency above 80 Hz) and image depths from around 6 m to as much as several hundred meters. Investigations shallower than 6 m have occasionally been undertaken, but these should be considered experimental.
1.2 Limitations:
1.2.1 This guide provides an overview of the shallow seismic-reflection method, but it does not address the details of seismic theory, field procedures, data processing, 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-reflection method be familiar with the relevant material in this guide, the references cited in the text...
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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.
Designation:D7128 −18
Standard Guide for
Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for Shallow
1
Subsurface Investigation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7128; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope familiar with the relevant material in this guide, the references
cited in the text, and Guides D420, D653, D2845, D4428/
1.1 Purpose and Application:
D4428M, Practice D5088, Guides D5608, D5730, D5753,
1.1.1 Thisguidesummarizesthetechnique,equipment,field
D6235, and D6429.
procedures, data processing, and interpretation methods for the
1.2.2 This guide is limited to two-dimensional (2-D) shal-
assessmentofshallowsubsurfaceconditionsusingtheseismic-
low seismic-reflection measurements made on land. The
reflection method.
seismic-reflection method can be adapted for a wide variety of
1.1.2 Seismic reflection measurements as described in this
special uses: on land, within a borehole, on water, and in three
guide are applicable in mapping shallow subsurface conditions
dimensions (3-D). However, a discussion of these specialized
for various uses including geologic (1), geotechnical, hydro-
2 adaptations of reflection measurements is not included in this
geologic (2), and environmental (3). The seismic-reflection
guide.
method is used to map, detect, and delineate geologic condi-
1.2.3 This guide provides information to help understand
tions including the bedrock surface, confining layers
the concepts and application of the seismic-reflection method
(aquitards), faults, lithologic stratigraphy, voids, water table,
to a wide range of geotechnical, engineering, and groundwater
fracture systems, and layer geometry (folds). The primary
problems.
application of the seismic-reflection method is the mapping of
1.2.4 The approaches suggested in this guide for the
lateral continuity of lithologic units and, in general, detection
seismic-reflection method are commonly used, widely
of change in acoustic properties in the subsurface.
accepted, and proven; however, other approaches or modifica-
1.1.3 This guide will focus on the seismic-reflection method
tions to the seismic-reflection method that are technically
as it is applied to the near surface. Near-surface seismic
sound may be equally suited.
reflection applications are based on the same principles as
1.2.5 Technical limitations of the seismic-reflection method
those used for deeper seismic reflection surveying, but ac-
are discussed in 5.4.
cepted practices can differ in several respects. Near-surface
1.2.6 Thisguidediscussesbothcompressional(P)andshear
seismic-reflection data are generally high-resolution (dominant
(S) wave reflection methods.Where applicable, the distinctions
frequency above 80 Hz) and image depths from around6mto
between the two methods will be pointed out in this guide.
as much as several hundred meters. Investigations shallower
than 6 m have occasionally been undertaken, but these should 1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information
be considered experimental. or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
1.2 Limitations:
experienceandshouldbeusedinconjunctionwithprofessional
1.2.1 This guide provides an overview of the shallow
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
seismic-reflection method, but it does not address the details of
circumstances. This guide is not intended to represent or
seismic theory, field procedures, data processing, or interpre-
replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given
tation of the data. Numerous references are included for that
professional service must be judged, nor should this document
purpose and are considered an essential part of this guide. It is
be applied without consideration for a project’s many unique
recommended that the user of the seismic-reflection method be
aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this guide means
only that the document has been approved through the ASTM
1
consensus process.
This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface
1.4 The values stated in SI units are regarded as standard.
Characterization.
The values given in parentheses are inch-pound units, which
Current edition approved July 15, 2018. Published August 2018. Originally
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D7128 − 05 (Reapproved 2010) D7128 − 18
Standard Guide for
Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for Shallow
1
Subsurface Investigation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7128; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 Purpose and Application:
1.1.1 This guide summarizes the technique, equipment, field procedures, data processing, and interpretation methods for the
assessment of shallow subsurface conditions using the seismic-reflection method.
1.1.2 Seismic reflection measurements as described in this guide are applicable in mapping shallow subsurface conditions for
2
various uses including geologic (1), geotechnical, hydrogeologic (2), and environmental (3). The seismic-reflection method is
used to map, detect, and delineate geologic conditions including the bedrock surface, confining layers (aquitards), faults, lithologic
stratigraphy, voids, water table, fracture systems, and layer geometry (folds). The primary application of the seismic-reflection
method is the mapping of lateral continuity of lithologic units and, in general, detection of change in acoustic properties in the
subsurface.
1.1.3 This guide will focus on the seismic-reflection method as it is applied to the near surface. Near-surface seismic reflection
applications are based on the same principles as those used for deeper seismic reflection surveying, but accepted practices can differ
in several respects. Near-surface seismic-reflection data are generally high-resolution (dominant frequency above 80 Hz) and
image depths from around 6 m to as much as several hundred meters. Investigations shallower than 6 m have occasionally been
undertaken, but these should be considered experimental.
1.2 Limitations:
1.2.1 This guide provides an overview of the shallow seismic-reflection method, but it does not address the details of seismic
theory, field procedures, data processing, 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-reflection method be familiar with the
relevant material in this guide, the references cited in the text, and Guides D420, D653, D2845, D4428/D4428M, Practice D5088,
Guides D5608, D5730, D5753, D6235, and D6429.
1.2.2 This guide is limited to two-dimensional (2-D) shallow seismic-reflection measurements made on land. The seismic-
reflection method can be adapted for a wide variety of special uses: on land, within a borehole, on water, and in three dimensions
(3-D). However, a discussion of these specialized adaptations of reflection measurements is not included in this guide.
1.2.3 This guide provides information to help understand the concepts and application of the seismic-reflection method to a wide
range of geotechnical, engineering, and groundwater problems.
1.2.4 The approaches suggested in this guide for the seismic-reflection method are commonly used, widely accepted, and
proven; however, other approaches or modifications to the seismic-reflection method that are technically sound may be equally
suited.
1.2.5 Technical limitations of the seismic-reflection method are discussed in 5.4.
1.2.6 This guide discusses both compressional (P) and shear (S) wave reflection methods. Where applicable, the distinctions
between the two methods will be pointed out in this guide.
1.3 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 guide 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
1
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface
Characterization.
Current edition approved May 1, 2010July 15, 2018. Published September 2010 August 2018. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 20052010
as D7128D7128–05(2010).–05. DOI: 10.1520/D7128-05R10. 10.1520/D7128-18.
2
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