Designation: D7400 − 14

Standard Test Methods for

Downhole Seismic Testing1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7400; 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* 1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
1.1 These test methods are limited to the determination of recorded and calculated in these test methods are regarded as
the interval velocities from arrival times and relative arrival the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
times of compression (P) and vertically (SV) and horizontally significant digits that should generally be retained. The proce-
(SH) polarized shear (S) seismic waves which are generated dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
near surface and travel down to an array of vertically installed obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
seismic sensors. A preferred method intended to obtain data for ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
use on critical projects where the highest quality data is increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
required is included. Also included is an optional method commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
intended for use on projects which do not require measure- of these test methods to consider significant digits used in
ments of a high degree of precision. analysis methods for engineering design.
1.4.2 Measurements made to more significant digits or
1.2 Various applications of the data will be addressed and
better sensitivity than specified in these test methods shall not
acceptable procedures and equipment, such as seismic sources,
be regarded a nonconformance with this standard.
receivers, and recording systems will be discussed. Other items
addressed include source-to-receiver spacing, drilling, casing, 1.5 This standard is written using SI units. Inch-pound units
grouting, a procedure for borehole installation, and conducting are provided for convenience. The values stated in inch pound
actual borehole and seismic cone tests. Data reduction and units may not be exact equivalents; therefore, they shall be
interpretation is limited to the identification of various seismic used independently of the SI system. Combining values from
wave types, apparent velocity relation to true velocity, example the two systems may result in nonconformance with this
computations, use of Snell’s law of refraction, and assump- standard.
tions. 1.5.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
1.3 There are several acceptable devices that can be used to when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
generate a high-quality P or SV source wave or both and SH (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass
source waves. Several types of commercially available receiv- is slugs. The rationalized slug unit is not given, unless dynamic
ers and recording systems can also be used to conduct an (F = ma) calculations are involved.
acceptable downhole survey. Special consideration should be 1.5.2 It is common practice in the engineering/construction
given to the types of receivers used and their configuration. profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit
Heavily-damped sensors should not be used so that spectral of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two
smearing, phase shifting, and latency response between sensors separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the
is avoided. These test methods primarily concern the actual test gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine
procedure, data interpretation, and specifications for equipment the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single
which will yield uniform test results. standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational
1.4 All recorded and calculated values shall conform to the system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug
guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice unit for mass. However, the use of balances or scales recording
D6026. pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft3 shall not
be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.09 on Cyclic and safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Dynamic Properties of Soils.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2014. Published November 2014. Originally
approved in 2007. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D7400 – 08. DOI: priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
10.1520/D7400-14. bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 D7400 − 14
2. Referenced Documents of deformations such as elastic, elasto-plastic, and failure.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 2 Another important use of estimated shear wave velocities in
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained geotechnical design is in the liquefaction assessment of soils.
Fluids 5.2 A fundamental assumption inherent in the test methods
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies is that a laterally homogeneous medium is being characterized.
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as In a laterally homogeneous medium the source wave train
Used in Engineering Design and Construction trajectories adhere to Snell’s law of refraction. Another as-
D4428/D4428M Test Methods for Crosshole Seismic Test- sumption inherent in the test methods is that the stratigraphic
ing medium to be characterized can have transverse isotropy.
D5778 Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone and Piezo- Transverse isotropy is a particularly simple form of anisotropy
cone Penetration Testing of Soils because velocities only vary with vertical incidence angle and
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical not with azimuth. By placing and actuating the seismic source
Data at offsets rotated 90° in plan view, it may be possible to
evaluate the transverse anisotropy of the medium.
3. Terminology
NOTE 1—The quality of the results produced by this standard is
3.1 Definitions: dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in these test methods, see suitability of the equipment and facilities. Agencies that meet the criteria
Terminology D653. of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and
objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cau-
tioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
4. Summary of Test Method
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
4.1 The Downhole Seismic Test makes direct measurements provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
of compression (P-) or shear (S-) wave velocities, or both, in a
borehole advanced through soil or rock or in a cone penetration 6. Apparatus
test sounding. It is similar in several respects to the Crosshole 6.1 The basic data acquisition system consists of the fol-
Seismic Test Method (Test Methods D4428/D4428M). A lowing:
seismic source is used to generate a seismic wave train at the 6.1.1 Energy Sources—These energy sources are chosen
ground surface offset horizontally from the top of a cased according to the needs of the survey, the primary consideration
borehole. Downhole receivers are used to detect the arrival of being whether P-wave or S-wave velocities are to be deter-
the seismic wave train. The downhole receiver(s) may be mined. The source should be rich in the type of energy
positioned at selected test depths in a borehole or advanced as required, that is, to produce good P-wave data, the energy
part of the instrumentation package on an electronic cone source must transmit adequate energy to the medium in
penetrometer (Test Method D5778). The seismic source is compression or volume change. Impulsive sources, such as
connected to and triggers a data recording system that records explosives, hammers, or air guns, are all acceptable P-wave
the response of the downhole receiver(s), thus measuring the generators. To produce an identifiable S wave, the source
travel time of the wave train between the source and receiv- should transmit energy to the ground with a particle motion
er(s). Measurements of the arrival times (travel time from perpendicular or transverse to the axis of the survey. Impulse or
source to sensor) of the generated P- and S- waves are then vibratory S-wave sources are acceptable, but the source must
made so that the low strain (<10–4 %) in-situ P-wave and be repeatable and, although not mandatory, reversible.
S-wave velocities can be determined. The calculated seismic 6.1.1.1 Shear Beam—A shear beam is a common form of an
velocities are used to characterize the natural or man-made (or SH-wave energy source. The beam can be metal or wood, and
both) properties of the stratigraphic profile. may be encased at the ends and bottom with a steel plate. Strike
plates may optionally be provided at the beam ends. The
5. Significance and Use bottom plate may optionally have cleats to penetrate the ground
5.1 The seismic downhole method provides a designer with and to prevent sliding when struck. A commonly utilized shear
information pertinent to the seismic wave velocities of the beam has approximate dimensions of 2.4 m (8 ft) long by 150
materials in question (1). The P-wave and S-wave velocities mm (6 in.) wide. The center of the shear beam is placed on the
are directly related to the important geotechnical elastic con- ground at a horizontal offset ranging from 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft)
stants of Poisson’s ratio, shear modulus, bulk modulus, and from the receiver borehole (or cone insertion point). This
Young’s modulus. Accurate in-situ P-wave and S-wave veloc- horizontal offset should be selected carefully since borehole
ity profiles are essential in geotechnical foundation designs. disturbance, rod noise, and refraction through layers with
These parameters are used in both analyses of soil behavior significantly different properties may impact the test results.
under both static and dynamic loads where the elastic constants Larger horizontal offsets of 4 to 6 m (12 to 20 ft) for the
are input variables into the models defining the different states seismic source may be necessary to avoid response effects due
to surface or near-surface features. In this case the possibility
2
of raypath refraction must be taken into account. The ends of
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
the beam should be positioned equidistant from the receiver
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on borehole. The shear beam is typically then loaded by the axle
the ASTM website. load of vehicle wheels or the leveling jacks of the cone rig. The

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 D7400 − 14
ground should be level enough to provide good continuous acteristics to determine the seismic wave train arrival. Typical
contact along the whole length of the beam to ensure good transducer examples include geophones, which measure par-
coupling between the beam and the ground. Beam-to-ground ticle velocity, and accelerometers, which measure particle
coupling should be accomplished by scraping the ground level acceleration. Both geophones and accelerometers are accept-
to a smooth, intact surface. Backfilling to create a flat spot will able for downhole seismic testing. High precision, low noise
not provide good beam-ground coupling and should be (operational amplifier integrated into sensor) accelerometers
avoided. The shear beam is typically struck on a strike plate at are generally more accurate due to their desirable transient
one end using a nominal 1- to 15-kg hammer to produce a response times (that is, delay, rise and peak times (2)) and high
seismic wave train. Striking the other end will create a seismic bandwidths compared to geophones. Sensors with fast transient
wave train that has the opposite polarity relative to the wave response times are advantageous when carrying out downhole
train produced at the first end. Fig. 1 shows a diagram of the seismic testing within hard rock stratigraphy and high energy
typical shear beam configuration that will produce SH-wave ambient noise environments. The frequency response of the
trains. Fig. 2 shows an example of an impulse seismic source transducer should not vary more than 5 % over a range of
wave train that contains both P- and S-wave components. frequencies from 0.5 to 2 times the predominant frequency of
Although the shear beam of dimensions 2.4 m (8 ft) long by the site-specific S-wave train. The geophones should not be
150 mm (6 in.) wide is commonly utilized, it may be desirable heavily damped to minimize spectral smearing. The receiver
to implement beams of shorter length so that SH-source more section should be housed in a single container (cylindrical
closely approximates a “point source” for tests less than 20 m shape preferred) so that multiple axis sensors (transducers) are
(60 ft) in depth. The “point source” SH-wave beam allows for located within 10 cm (4 in.) of each other. Provision must be
the accurate specification of the source Cartesian location (x, y, made for the container to be held in firm contact with the
and z coordinates) which is required for the subsequent interval sidewall of the borehole. Examples of acceptable methods
velocity calculation. For example, if a large SH-hammer beam include: air bladder, wedge, stiff spring, or mechanical ex-
is utilized, it becomes difficult to specify the exact location of pander. Using a wedge to hold the sensor in place can result in
the seismic source. In addition, it is preferable to initially excite erroneous data if the sensor is supported at the bottom. If a
a small area if complex stratigraphy exist and shorter SH- wedge is used, it should be positioned near the center of the
hammer beams mitigate problems arising from poor beam- receiver container mass. The receiver packages can also be
ground coupling. grouted within the borehole (permanent array). When using the
6.1.2 Receivers—In the downhole seismic test, the seismic instrumented cone penetrometer probe, there is no borehole
receivers are installed vertically with depth within a borehole since the container is pushed directly through the soil so there
or as part of the instrumentation in a cone penetrometer probe. is always firm contact. The diameter of the cone penetrometer
The receivers intended for use in the downhole test shall be at the location of the seismic instrumentation package (trans-
transducers having appropriate frequency and sensitivity char- ducers) should be greater than that of the sections immediately

FIG. 1 Typical Downhole Shear Wave Source (Produces SH- Wave Train)

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FIG. 2 Impulse Seismic Source (Produces P- and S-Wave Trains)

below the instrumentation package to promote good coupling and accurate to <1 % of the approximate relative arrival time.
between the instrument and the surrounding soil. For example, if it is assumed that there will be a maximum 400
6.1.2.1 Preferred Method—Each receiving unit will consist m/s interval velocity over a 1 m increment with a correspond-
of at least three transducers combined orthogonally to form a ing relative arrival time of 2.5 ms, then a triggering mechanism
triaxial array, that is, one vertical and two horizontal transduc- resolution and accuracy of 0.025 ms is required. Alternatively,
ers mounted at right angles, one to the other. Two receiving timing accuracy may be demonstrated with an annual calibra-
units should be available for deployment, either as separate tion by an accredited calibration agency. Permanent records of
units operating independently or separated vertically in the the seismic events should be made, or if digital seismographs
same container. are used with no permanent hard copy print records available
6.1.2.2 Optional Method—A single uniaxial or biaxial re- on site, data should be recorded on suitable digital media and
ceiver(s) may be used. Care should be taken to make sure the copied to a second digital storage device for backup before
transducer is oriented in the direction most nearly parallel to leaving the site.
the direction of the source for S-waves or radially for P-waves.
6.1.3 Recording System—The system shall consist of sepa- 7. Procedure
rate recording channels, one for each transducer being 7.1 Borehole Preparation:
recorded, having identical phase characteristics and adjustable 7.1.1 Preferred—The preferred method for preparing a
gain control. Appropriate anti-alias filtering should be applied borehole for downhole testing incorporates one borehole as
to the sensor signals prior to analog-to-digital conversion. Only illustrated in Fig. 3. A dry test hole is preferred to avoid signal
digital signal filtering will be acceptable for seismic signal noise caused by waves transmitted through the water column in
enhancement. Analog filtering, active or passive, will not be a water-filled test hole.
acceptable because of inherent phase delays. Timing accuracy 7.1.1.1 Drill the borehole, with minimum sidewall
shall be demonstrated both immediately prior to and immedi- disturbance, to a diameter not exceeding 175 mm (7.0 in.).
ately after the conduct of the downhole test. Demonstrate After the drilling is completed, case the boring with 50 to 100
accuracy by inducing and recording on the receiver channels an mm (2 to 4 in.) inside diameter PVC pipe or aluminum casing,
oscillating signal of 1000 Hz derived from a quartz-controlled taking into consideration the size of the downhole receivers.
oscillator, or a certified laboratory calibration obtained within Before inserting the casing, close the bottom of the pipe with
the time frame recommended by the instrument manufacturer. a cap which has a one-way ball-check valve capable of
As an optional method, the true zero time should be determined accommodating a 38 mm (1.5 in.) outside diameter grout pipe.
by (1) a simultaneous display of the triggering mechanism Center the casing with spacers and insert it into the bottom of
along with at least one receiver, or (2) a laboratory calibration the borehole. Grout the casing in place by (1) inserting a 38
of the triggering mechanism which will determine the lapsed mm (1.5 in.) PVC pipe through the center of the casing,
time between the trigger closure and development of that contacting the one-way valve fixed to the end cap (Fig. 3 side
voltage required to initiate the sweep on an oscilloscope or A), or (2) by a small diameter grout tube inserted to the bottom
seismograph. The triggering mechanism should be repeatable of the borehole between the casing and the borehole sidewall

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7.2 Seismic Cone Penetration Deployment:
7.2.1 At the start of the cone penetration test, the body of the
cone penetrometer should be rotated until the axis of the
transducer is parallel to the long axis of the shear beam if a
uniaxial configuration is implemented. If a biaxial (X and Y
components) or triaxial sensor configuration (X, Y and Z
components) is utilized, one of the horizontal components
should be aligned parallel to the shear beam in order to
maximize the SH-wave amplitude in one component direction.
The cone penetrometer is pushed into the ground to the desired
downhole test depth, monitoring the CPT instruments and
inclination of the cone assembly during the push. The depth to
the receivers should be recorded. Care should be exercised to
avoid rotation of the sensors during the addition of subsequent
rods.
7.3 Downhole Test:
7.3.1 Begin the downhole test by preparing the energy
source at its desired location. Place the receiver(s) at the top of
the receiver hole. If possible, orient the receiver unit bodies so
FIG. 3 Acceptable Grouting Techniques Schematic that the axis of a horizontal transducer is parallel to the long
axis of the shear beam. If two separate units are being used,
lower or push the lower unit at a depth of 1.0 to 1.5 m (3 to 5
(Fig. 3 side B). Another acceptable method would be to fill the ft) below the upper unit which should be positioned so the
borehole with grout which would be displaced by end-capped transducers are essentially at the ground surface. Clamp the
fluid-filled casing. The grout mixture should be formulated to receiver(s) firmly into place. Check the recording equipment
approximate closely the density of the surrounding in situ and verify timing. Monitor the output of the receivers without
material after solidification. That portion of the boring that activating the energy source to evaluate the ambient seismic
penetrates rock should be grouted with a conventional portland noise in the ground and to establish a basis for filtering the
cement which will harden to a density of about 2.20 mg/m3 noise, if necessary.
(140 lb/ft3). That portion of the boring in contact with soils, 7.3.2 Activate the energy source and display the receiver(s)
sands, or gravels should be grouted with a mixture simulating trace(s) on the recording device. If both P- and S-wave sources
the average density of the medium (about 1.80 to 1.90 mg/m3 are being used, tests should be conducted separately for better
(110 to 120 lb/ft3) by premixing 450 g (1 lb) of bentonite and results. Adjust the amplifier gain and recording time such that
450 g (1 lb) of portland cement to 2.80 kg (6.25 lb) of water. the P-wave train or S-wave train, or both, are displayed in their
Anchor the casing and pump the grout using a conventional, entirety. If the recorder allows the test to be repeated and
circulating pump capable of moving the grout through the superimposed (stacked) on the earlier test, repeat the test 3 to
grout pipe to the bottom of the casing upward from the bottom 5 times (or more if needed to obtain a consistent and repro-
of the borehole (Fig. 3). Using this procedure, the annular ducible record) to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Record,
space between the sidewall of the borehole and the casing will store the wave train digitally and print a hard copy of the wave
be filled from bottom to top in a uniform fashion displacing train for all receivers. If the reversible polarity shear beam
mud and debris with minimum sidewall disturbance. Keep the energy source is used, the trigger should be reset and the
casing anchored and allow the grout to set before using the energy source activated at the opposite end of the beam and
boreholes for downhole testing. If shrinkage occurs near the 7.3.2 is repeated.
mouth of the borehole, additional grout should be added until 7.3.2.1 Best results will be obtained by performing two
the annular space is filled flush with the ground surface (3). separate tests: one optimized for P-wave recovery (fastest
7.1.2 Optional—If the scope or intended use of a particular sweep/recorder rate, higher gain settings), and the second for
project does not warrant the time and expense which would be S-wave recovery (slower sweep/recorder rate, lower gain
incurred by the preferred method, or if the specific project such settings). If enhancement equipment is being used, repeatedly
as an investigation beneath a relatively small machine founda- activate the energy source until optimum results are displayed.
tion is undertaken, this optional method may be used. Do not over-range memory circuitry. A clipped signal is
7.1.2.1 Borings may be used either with or without casing; unacceptable.
however, if casing is used, grout should be injected between 7.3.3 Perform the next test by lowering the receiver(s) to a
the casing and sidewall of the borehole to ensure good contact depth dictated by known stratification, but typically no greater
in the manner described in 7.1.1.1. Backfilling the annulus than 1.5 m (5.0 ft), and no less than 0.5 m (2 ft) from the
between the borehole and the casing with other suitable backfill previous test locations in the borings and repeat the above
material may be used but care should be taken to avoid procedure. Optionally, other test depth intervals may be used
bridging and resulting loss of coupling between the casing and depending on the purpose and the site conditions. For tests
the soil or rock. performed in hard rock below 30 m (100 ft) depth below

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ground surface, the test interval may be increased to 3 m (10 may not be apparent if an SH-rich energy source is used. Also,
ft). Continue with succeeding tests until the maximum bore- the P-wave train arrival may not necessarily be the first
hole depth has been reached. As an alternate, tests can be departure of the static horizontal receiver after time T = 0. This
conducted from the bottom of hole while retrieving the may be “rod noise” or other seismic wave phenomena. It may
receiver. It may be advantageous to leave the receiver clamped be preferable to initially estimate a velocity trend line from a
during the entire retrieval process, stopping the retrieval at vertical seismic profile (VSP) to assure that the correct
each test interval depth to conduct the test for that depth. This responses have been identified. In general terms, the magnitude
will reduce the rotation of the receiver and the time to clamp of the P- and S-wave responses will be dependent upon the
and unclamp at each depth. Fig. 4 shows a schematic of the source-sensor geometry and type of source implemented as
cased borehole deployment. Figs. 5 and 6 show a schematic of illustrated in Fig. 7 (4). If both wave trains (P and S) are
the seismic cone deployment configuration. displayed simultaneously on the records, the S wave will be
typically identified on the seismic signature by the following
8. Data Reduction and Interpretation characteristics:
8.1 Straight-Line Slant Distance—Average seismic wave 8.2.1.1 A sudden increase in amplitude, and
velocities will be computed by determining the straight-line 8.2.1.2 An abrupt change in frequency coinciding with the
distance, L, from the source to receivers. To do this, the amplitude change.
following data are needed: 8.2.1.3 If a reversible polarity seismic source is used, the S
wave arrival will be determined as that point meeting the
ES = elevation of the ground surface in contact with the
criteria of 8.2.1.1 and 8.2.1.2 and where a 180° polarity change
energy source at the center of the energy source,
is noted to have occurred.
EG = elevation of the top of the geophone hole,
DG = depth of the geophone receiver (measured from top of 8.2.2 The above characteristics are displayed in Fig. 2.
geophone hole), Determine the arrival time for the P wave or S wave directly
X = horizontal distance between the center of the energy from the record as the lapsed time between time zero (activa-
source and the geophone borehole/sounding, tion of the seismic source) and the arrival of the respective
wave trains at each of the receiver depths. If a polarized
8.1.1 The following equation determines the straight-line S-wave vibratory source is used, the arrival time of the S wave
slant distance, LR, from source to geophone using the data of can be determined from the time lapsed between the start up of
8.1: the seismic source monitor geophone and the first arrival of a
L R 5 @ ~ E S 2 E G 1D G ! 2 1X 2 # 0.5 (1) seismic signal bearing the same characteristic frequency.
The apparent average velocity is equal to LR divided by the 8.3 Data Tabulation:
travel time. 8.3.1 The wave arrival time must be interpreted from the
8.2 Wave Train Identification: recorded wave trains for a given test depth. If reversible
8.2.1 Identify the P-wave train arrival time as the first polarity shear waves are used, the shear wave arrival from one
departure of the static horizontal receiver (or vertical-oriented hammer strike event can usually be seen clearly as a mirror
receiver, if available) trace after time T = 0. A P-wave arrival image of the hammer strike(s) at the opposite event as shown
in Fig. 8. Up to three separate travel times are observed in the
field and recorded are as follows:
8.3.1.1 Source to Receiver 1, TR1,
8.3.1.2 Source to Receiver 2 (if used), TR2, and
8.3.1.3 Time difference between Receivers 1 and 2 (if both
are used), TR2–R1.
8.3.2 Tabulate the data in a manner similar to that shown in
Fig. 9.
8.4 Data Reduction:
8.4.1 In materials where abrupt changes in density or
elasticity occur, the ray travel path of the wave might not be a
straight line (5). In such cases, Snell’s law of refraction must be
used. Downhole tests conducted to deeper depths (below 20 m
(60 ft)) are not heavily influenced by Snell’s Law. For sites
where the upper material (10 m (30 ft)) is to be removed, it is
not necessary to use Snell’s Law to perform these calculations.
8.4.2 Calculations—Due to the nature and number of cal-
culations which are involved to evaluate shear wave velocities
for individual vertical layers, this standard addresses only the
average apparent velocity over the distance from the source to
the receiver. In a typical application of the downhole technique
FIG. 4 Downhole Seismic Test in Cased Boring Schematic to a layered site where refractions are likely to occur, there are

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FIG. 5 Seismic Cone Schematic (Single Receiver)

array. The average shear wave velocity for the given depth
interval, assuming straight ray paths (see Figs. 4-6) is given by
the equation:
V s 5 ~ L R2 2 L R1 ! / ~ ∆T R22R1 ! (2)

where:
LR2 = length calculated from Eq 1 above for the
receiver at the greater depth,
LR1 = length calculated from Eq 1 above for the
receiver at the shallower depth, and
∆TR2 – R1 = difference in shear wave travel times from
source to receivers at greater and shallower
depths.
8.5 Comparisons With Other Data—After the reduction and
interpretation of the downhole data, the results should be
analyzed in conjunction with other data where available,
including surface refraction and available boring data, and a
FIG. 6 Seismic Cone Schematic (Dual Receivers)
velocity zone profile descriptive of subsurface conditions
made.
9. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)
several methods available for downhole seismic data interpre- 9.1 The methodology used to specify how data are recorded
tation that may be used (6 and 7). These references discuss on the test data sheet(s)/form(s), as given below, is covered in
various approaches to applications of Snell’s law to develop a 1.4.
true velocity interpretation consistent with all the data from a 9.2 Record as a minimum the following general information
given survey. Other data reduction methods may be used at the (data):
discretion of the user, but the method should be documented 9.2.1 Project description, operator, weather conditions
with the data report. Using the interval method, the average 9.2.2 Type and description of seismic source, downhole
downhole shear wave velocity is calculated for the depth receiver(s) and recording equipment
interval that the Receiver has been advanced between measure- 9.2.3 Borehole information, method of installation, casing
ments or the fixed distance between the two receivers in a dual diameter(s) or seismic cone number

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FIG. 7 Particle Motion Directions of Source Body Waves Impacting upon a Triaxial Sensor Package

FIG. 8 Typical Downhole Shear Wave Arrival Traces (Polarized Data Set)

9.2.4 Elevation of the ground surface at the borehole (or 9.3 Record as a minimum the following test data at each
cone sounding) and at center of the seismic energy source to measurement depth:
the nearest 0.02 m (0.1 ft) 9.3.1 Measured depth to receiver(s) for each test to nearest
9.2.5 Horizontal distance between center of seismic source 0.02 m (0.1 ft)
and borehole center at ground surface to nearest 0.02 m (0.1 ft) 9.3.2 Relative arrival time between source and each receiver
9.2.6 Method for securing the receiver(s) in the borehole to the nearest 0.01 ms

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FIG. 9 Example Data Sheet Tabulation

9.3.3 Interval velocity to three significant digits in m/s (ft/s) 9.3.5 Optional—Apparent velocity between source and each
9.3.4 Optional—Travel time between source and each re- receiver to three significant digits in m/s (ft/s)
ceiver to the nearest 0.1 ms

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10. Precision and Bias laboratory testing variation. Subcommittee D18.09 is seeking
10.1 Precision—Test data on precision are not presented due any data from users of this test method that might be used to
to the nature of the soil or rock, or both materials tested by this make a limited statement on precision.
standard. It is either not feasible or too costly at this time to 10.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for these
have ten or more laboratories participate in a round-robin test methods, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
testing program. In addition, it is either not feasible or too
costly to produce multiple specimens that have uniform physi- 11. Keywords
cal properties. Any variation observed in the data is just as 11.1 accelerometers; compression wave; geophones; ma-
likely to be due to specimen variation as to operator or chine foundations; seismic waves; shear waves; wave velocity

REFERENCES

(1) Woods, R. D., “Measurement of Dynamic Soil Properties,” Proceed- Geotechnical Journal, Vol. 39, 2002, pp. 1–12.
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Conference on Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics, ASCE, Data Reduction Methods for Obtaining Reliable Vs Profiles,” Geo-
Vol I, 19–21 June 1978, pp. 91–178. technical Testing Journal , ASTM, Vol. 27, No. 6, November 2004,
(2) Ogata, J., Discrete Process Control, Cambridge University Press, pp. 1–13.
1987, pp. 343-344. (8) Ballard, R. F., Jr., “Method for Crosshole Seismic Testing,” Geotech-
(3) Department of the Army, Engineer Manual EM 1110-1-1802, “Geo- nical Engineering Division, ASCE, Vol 102, No. GT12, December
physical Exploration,” May 1979, Washington, DC. 1976, pp. 1261–1273.
(4) Baziw, E.J. “Two and three dimensional imaging utilizing the seismic (9) Auld, B., “Cross-Hole and Down-Hole Vs by Mechanical Impulse,”
cone penetrometer,” In Proceedings of the 2nd International Confer-
Geotechnical Engineering Division, ASCE, Vol 103, GT12, December
ence on Geotechnical Site Characterization (ISC-2), Porto, Portugal,
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19–22 Sept. 2004, Millpress Science Publishers, pp. 1611–1618.
(10) Stokoe, K. H., II, and Hoar, R. J., “Variables Affecting In Situ
(5) Butler, Dwain K., and Curro, Joseph R., Jr., “Crosshole Seismic
Testing—Procedures and Pitfalls,” Geophysics, Vol 46, No. 1, January Seismic Measurements,” Proceedings of the ASCE Geotechnical
1981, pp. 23–29. Engineering Division Specialty Conference on Earthquake Engineer-
(6) Baziw, E.J., “Derivation of Seismic Cone Interval Velocities Utilizing ing and Soil Dynamics, ASCE, Vol II, 19–21 June 1978, pp.
Forward Modeling and the Downhill Simplex Method,” Canadian 919–939.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D7400 – 08) that may impact the use of this standard. (November 1, 2014)

(1) Subsection 8.2.1—Provided clarification on use of vertical- (2) Subsection 8.4.2—Relaxed implied recommendation to use
oriented receiver for P-wave arrivals. the interval method for velocity calculations.

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