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Dynamic Soil properties using Downhole Tests

Seismic tests can be divided in two groups, surface tests and
borehole tests. Surface tests are used to determine subsurface
properties using geophones on surface and a surface seismic
source. Borehole tests are bound to one or two boreholes which
have to be drilled. Therefore, borehole tests are more expensive
compared to surface tests but provide more accurate data with
depth.

Shot point

Principle

Borehole Geophone

The Downhole Test is a method which determines soil

stiffness properties by analyzing direct compressional and
shear waves along a borehole down to about 30 m.
The aim of the downhole testing is to derive elastic rock
properties such as Poissons ratio or YOUNGs modulus. Shear
waves have to be generated at surface. A shear wave source
(sledge hammer hit sidewise) is used at surface and a coupled
receiver system is moved in the borehole.
Traveltimes of the seismic waves are analysed and seismic
velocity is calculated. Shear wave velocity can be transformed to
soil stiffness.

Test Result
0

-5

-5

334

786

Layer 1

-10
Layer 2

-15

Layer 3
-20

-25

Depth [m]

Depth [m]

-10

572

1276

1359

3608

-15

-20

-25
S-Wave

-30

-30

P-Wave

S-Wave
-35

P-Wave

-35
0

Geotomographie GmbH

10

20

30

40

Traveltime [ms]

Am Tonnenberg 18
56567 Neuwied

50

0
Tel.: 02631 / 778135
Fax.: 02631 / 778136

1000 2000

3000

Velocity [m/s]

4000

email: geotomo@t-online.de
Internet: http://www.geotomographie.de