ASTM D5777-18
(Guide)Standard Guide for Using the Seismic Refraction Method for Subsurface Investigation
Standard Guide for Using the Seismic Refraction Method for Subsurface Investigation
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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).
FIG. 1 Field Layout of a Twelve-Channel Seismograph Showing the Path of Direct and Refracted Seismic Waves in a Two-Layer Soil/Rock System (αc = Critical Angle)
5.1.3 The geophone(s) and the seismic source must be placed in firm contact with the soil or rock. The geophones are usually located in a line, sometimes referred to as a geophone spread. The seismic source may be a sledge hammer, a mechanical device that strikes the ground, or some other type of impulse source. Explosives are used for deeper refractors or special conditions that require greater energy. Geophones convert the ground vibrations into an electrical signal. This electrical signal is recorded and processed by the seismograph. The travel time of the seismic wave (from the source to the geophone) is determined from the seismic wave form. Fig. 2 shows a seismograph record using a single geophone. Fig. 3 shows a seismograph record using twelve geophones.
FIG. 2 A Typical Seismic Waveform from a Single Geophone
Note 1: Arrow marks arrival of first compressional wave.
FIG. 3 Twelve-Channel Analog Seismograph Record Showing Good First Breaks Produced by an Explosive Sound Source (2)
5.1.4 The seismic energy source generates elastic waves that travel through the soil or rock from the source. When the seismic wave reaches the interface between two materials of different seismic velocities, the waves are refracted according to Snell's Law (3, 4). When the angle of incidence equals the critical angle at the i...
SCOPE
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), mineral exploration, petroleum exploration, and archaeological investigations. The seismic refraction method is used to map geologic conditions including depth of bedrock, or the water table, stratigraphy, lithology, structure, and fractures or all of these. The calculated seismic wave velocity is related to mechanical material properties. Therefore, characterization of the material (type of rock, degree of weathering, and rippability) is made on the basis of seismic velocity and other geologic information.
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 meas...
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Standards Content (Sample)
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: D5777 − 18
Standard Guide for
Using the Seismic Refraction Method for Subsurface
1
Investigation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5777; 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 of seismic shear waves is a subset of seismic refraction. This
guide is not intended to include this topic and focuses only on
1.1 Purpose and Application—This guide covers the
P wave measurements.
equipment, field procedures, and interpretation methods for the
1.2.4 Theapproachessuggestedinthisguidefortheseismic
assessment of subsurface conditions using the seismic refrac-
refraction method are commonly used, widely accepted, and
tion method. Seismic refraction measurements as described in
proven; however, other approaches or modifications to the
this guide are applicable in mapping subsurface conditions for
seismic refraction method that are technically sound may be
various uses including geologic, geotechnical, hydrologic,
substituted.
environmental (1), mineral exploration, petroleum exploration,
1.2.5 Technical limitations and interferences of the seismic
and archaeological investigations. The seismic refraction
refraction method are discussed in D420, D653, D2845,
method is used to map geologic conditions including depth of
D4428/D4428M, D5088, D5730, D5753, D6235, and D6429.
bedrock, or the water table, stratigraphy, lithology, structure,
and fractures or all of these. The calculated seismic wave 1.3 Precautions:
velocityisrelatedtomechanicalmaterialproperties.Therefore, 1.3.1 It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to
characterization of the material (type of rock, degree of follow any precautions within the equipment manufacturer’s
weathering, and rippability) is made on the basis of seismic recommendations, establish appropriate health and safety
velocity and other geologic information. practices, and consider the safety and regulatory implications
1.1.1 The geotechnical industry uses English or SI units. when explosives are used.
1.3.2 If the method is applied at sites with hazardous
1.2 Limitations:
materials, operations, or equipment, it is the responsibility of
1.2.1 This guide provides an overview of the seismic
the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health
refraction method using compressional (P) waves. It does not
practices and determine the applicability of any regulations
address the details of the seismic refraction theory, field
prior to use.
procedures, or interpretation of the data. Numerous references
are included for that purpose and are considered an essential 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
part of this guide. It is recommended that the user of the
seismic refraction method be familiar with the relevant mate- responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
rial in this guide and the references cited in the text and with
appropriate ASTM standards cited in 2.1. mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This guide offers an organized collection of information
1.2.2 This guide is limited to the commonly used approach
to seismic refraction measurements made on land. The seismic or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
course of action. This document cannot replace education or
refraction method can be adapted for a number of special uses,
onland,withinaboreholeandonwater.However,adiscussion experience and should be used in conjunction with professional
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all
of these other adaptations of seismic refraction measurements
is not included in this guide. circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to repre-
sent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of
1.2.3 There are certain cases in which shear waves need to
be measured to satisfy project requirements. The measurement 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
1
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoilandRock
ASTM consensus process.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface
Characterization.
1.
...
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.
´1
Designation: D5777 − 00 (Reapproved 2011) D5777 − 18
Standard Guide for
Using the Seismic Refraction Method for Subsurface
1
Investigation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5777; 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
ε NOTE—Added a units statement as new 1.1.1 and revised Section 3 editorially in July 2011.
1. Scope
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),
mineral exploration, petroleum exploration, and archaeological investigations. The seismic refraction method is used to map
geologic conditions including depth toof bedrock, or tothe water table, stratigraphy, lithology, structure, and fractures or all of
these. The calculated seismic wave velocity is related to mechanical material properties. Therefore, characterization of the material
(type of rock, degree of weathering, and rippability) is made on the basis of seismic velocity and other geologic information.
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 P wave
measurements.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
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 July 1, 2011Dec. 15, 2018. Published September 2011January 2019. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in
...
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