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AN ORAL PRESENTATION

ON

EVALUATION OF SUBSURFACE PARAMETER WITH THE USE OF


SEISMIC REFRACTION METHOD IN ENGINEERING SITE
INVESTIGATION

BY
Treasure NOSAKHARE H
MATRIC NUMBER : GPY/18/1096

DEPARTMENT OF GEOPHYSICS
SCHOOL OF EARTH SCIENCES

FEBRUARY , 2024
OUTLINES
❖INTRODUCTION
❖AIM AND OBJECTIVES
❖LITERATURE REVIEW
❖MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
❖RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
❖CONCLUSION
❖RECOMMENDATION
❖REFERENCES
INTRODUCTION
Evaluation of subsurface parameters using seismic refraction method was carried out in eti-osa

local government in the southeastern part of Lagos state to analyse th subsurface parameters for

engineering purpose. Adequate understanding of the near surface geology in relation to

engineering projects is of major importance in deciding the best land use in many areas. When

the subsurface condition of the sol is not competent, it subjects the building on it to collapse or

failure. This can result in loses of valuables and waste of lives. Studies have revealed that most

of the major cities and highly populated areas like Lagos, Nigeria are located on soft sediments

such as the estuaries, recent deposits and areas of similar characteristics


AIM AND OBJECTIVES
Aim:
The aim of studying groundwater quality and aquifer properties is to assess and manage the sustainability of
underground water resources. This involves evaluating the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of
groundwater, understanding aquifer properties.

OJECTIVES:
• Introduce Seismic Refraction Techniques

• Address Precision in Subsurface Mapping.

• Examine Geological Context and Risk Assessment

• Explore Sustainability in Engineering Practices

• Case Study Analysis as an Objective


CASE STUDY
EVALUATION OF SUBSURFACE PARAMETERS USING SEISMIC RERACTION METHOD
IN ENGINEERING INVESTIGATION IN ETI-OSA LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE
SOUTHEASTERN PART OF LAGOS STATE

Understanding near-surface geology is crucial for engineering projects to prevent


building failures. In regions like Lagos, Nigeria, situated on soft sediments,
traditional soil characterization methods are limited to specific points and may
not apply across broader urban settings. To address this, geophysical methods,
including the non-invasive seismic refraction method, are recommended. This
study employs seismic refraction to assess the engineering competence of the
study area, offering a comprehensive evaluation without altering the soil's
geological formation, crucial for safe construction practices.
MATERIALS

❖A 15 kg weight Sledge-hammer

❖ 24 channel MK-6 Terraloc seismogram

❖The geophones spacing of 2 m

❖SeisImager 2DTM software package


METHODOLOGY
The method used in this case study is seismic refraction method which involves
laying out a seismic cable with geophone detectors at takeout points. Shear
wave information is used in saturated sediments, and shear wave geophones are
used. Overwater, pressure-sensitive hydrophone receivers are substituted for
geophones. Geophone spacing depends on depth of search and desired
resolution. A pattern of shotpoints is executed, and seismic wave arrivals for
each geophone are recorded in the seismograph. The key piece of recorded
information is the time of the first arrival, which is the direct wave or refracted
wave. Energy sources can be sledge hammer blows, shotguns, or explosives.
METHODOLOGY CONTD.
Seven (7) seismic refraction profiles were surveyed with each ranging between 48 and
200 m in length (Figure 3). A 15 kg weight Sledge-hammer was used as the source of
energy and a 24 channel MK-6 Terraloc seismogram was used for the data acquisition.
The geophones spacing of 2 m was used, so as to have adequate coverage of the
refractive zone. Multiple shots were taken at different points along the profiles. The
obtained data was analyzed with the use of seisImager 2DTM software package. The
inversion tomograms for the seismic survey were displayed after the data were
processed.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
2D seismic refraction tomography showed the lateral and vertical
distribution of the geologic layers. The results showed three distinct
layers as presented in Figure 2. The three layers varied in thickness from
the topsoil to a depth of about 10 m in the subsurface. The various colour
configurations of the 2D seismic refraction profiles, revealed the
variation in the thickness of each layer, which may be as a result of the
age of deposition, the geologic composition and other geological
processes .
2D seismic refraction profile conducted in the study area showing the length and
the depth of investigation in meters (m)
CONT’D
The thickness of the first layer varied was found to vary between the topsoil and a depth of

about 5 m. This layer is considered to be the unconsolidated layer , which is characterized

by loose dry sand as delineated by the borehole log and also a low-velocity zone as

revealed by the propagation of seismic wave velocity.There is an intrusion of the

geomaterials that composed the first layer in the second layer. This variation is

pronounced the 2 and 28 m points along the length of the seismic profile. This layer is

semi-consolidated as shown by the geotechnical parameters . This layer was observed to

gradually reduce in thickness towards the other end of the profile.


CONT’D
The third layer was observed to have the highest seismic velocity which is a characteristic
of a consolidated layer . The thickness of this layer is greater than the first two layers
earlier discussed; it was also noted that the second layer intruded greatly into the third
layer between the 2 to 26 m along the length of the profile. This layer was noted to be
more competent than the two previously outlined layers. The noted competence could be
as a result of the composition or age of deposition of the sediments that formed this layer.
The result obtained in this study agreed with the regional geology of the study area as well
as the local geology obtained from a hand dug well in the study area.
CONCLUSION
In this study, a combination of 2D seismic refraction method and information on the local

geology of the area of study were used to characterize a site in order to determine the depth to

the most competent layer. In terms of geology the study area is interpreted as having three

prominent subsurface layers from the topsoil to a depth of about 18 m, in which the first

geologic layer, which is the topsoil is composed of unconsolidated geologic formation. The

second layer is interpreted as a weathered or semi-consolidated formation while the third layer

is found to be a consolidated geologic formation as revealed by the seismic refraction method.


The local geology revealed the first layer to be loose sand, the second layer was

noted to be soft sandy clay while the third layer, which was encountered from 7

m depth into the subsurface was observed to be composed of a more

consolidated formation of medium to hard sandy clay. Therefore, it can be

concluded that the lower part of the second down to the third layer is the most

mechanically stable for siting any engineering construction in the study area.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the seismic refraction study and the local geology analysis, it is
recommended that site engineers prioritize the lower segment of the second
layer down to the third layer for construction activities. This area,
approximately from 7 meters into the subsurface, is characterized by a
consolidated formation of medium to hard sandy clay, indicating enhanced
mechanical stability. Selecting this zone for construction endeavors aligns with
the study's findings, ensuring a solid foundation for engineering structures.
Additionally, thorough assessment and monitoring during construction are
advised to validate and enhance the effectiveness of the seismic refraction
results in real-time project implementation.
REFERNCES
❖Sheriff, R.E., Geldart, L.P. (1995). Exploration Seismology. Cambridge University Press.

❖Dobrin, M.B., Savit, C.H. (1988). Introduction to Geophysical Prospecting. McGraw-Hill.

❖Anbazhagan, P., Lakshmi, N., Sitharam, T.G. (2011). Evaluation of subsurface conditions of

Bangalore city, India using seismic refraction method. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 73(1), 11-

21.

❖ Telford, W.M., Geldart, L.P., Sheriff, R.E., Keys, D.A. (1990). Applied Geophysics. Cambridge

University Press.
THANK
YOU
FOR LISTENING

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