Brief Description

Crosshole (or “crosswell”) is seismic measures the velocity of seismic waves between boreholes. There are two
types of crosshole approaches. The conventional approach involves lowering a 3-component borehole geophone
down one hole while lowering a source down an adjacent hole(s), firing the source at some prescribed depth interval.
The source and geophone are always at the same elevation, and the energy from each shot is measured at a single
depth in each receiver hole. The travel times are then converted to velocities by dividing them into the distance
between the holes.

Target parameter and Purpose of parameter

The primary purpose of obtaining crosshole data is to obtain the most detailed in situ seismic wave velocity profile for
site-specific investigations and material Characterization. Crosshole velocity data are valuable for assessing man-
made materials, soil deposits, or rock formations.

The seismic technique determines the compression (P-) and/or shear (S-) wave velocity of materials at depths of
engineering and environmental concern where the data can be used in problems related to soil mechanics, rock
mechanics, foundation studies, and earthquake engineering. Crosshole geophysical testing is generally conducted in
the near surface (upper hundred meters) for site-specific engineering applications (Sirles and Viksne, 1990). All of
the dynamic elastic moduli of a material can be determined from knowledge of the in situ density, P-, and S-wave
velocity. Therefore, since procedures to determine material densities are standardized, acquiring detailed seismic
data yields the required information to analytically assess a site. Low-strain material damping and inelastic
attenuation values can also be obtained from crosshole surveys. However, the most robust application of crosshole
testing is the ability to define in situ shear-wave velocity profiles for engineering investigations associated with
earthquake engineering (Mooney, 1984).

The objective of acquiring crosshole data can be multipurpose; that is, the seismic velocity results obtained may be
used for evaluation of lateral and vertical material continuity, liquefaction analyses, deformation studies, or
investigations concerning amplification or attenuation of strong ground motion. Typically, crosshole surveys are
geophysical tool for performing explorations during what are considered phase two field investigations (where phase
one field investigations include surface geophysical surveys, follow-up drilling, trenching, and sampling of the in situ
materials). During phase two field exploration, the information gathered is more critical to the analytical site-specific
Characterization. Although both phase one and phase two results are important, the two independent sets of data
must be integrated into the final analysis.

Crosshole techniques are most useful when phase one site explorations indicate horizontal and particularly vertical
variability of material properties. When layers of alternating density or stiffness are either known to exist or are
encountered during phase one field investigations, crosshole seismic tests are recommended to define the in situ
velocities within each layer. Acquiring crosshole seismic data resolves hidden layer velocity anomalies that cannot
be detected with conventional surface methods, allows both final interpretation of other surface geophysical data
(seismic or electrical), and permits both empirical and theoretical correlation with other geotechnical material
parameters.
 Technical documentation and specifications
In order to have quantitative and quality assured results, crosshole tests performed for either engineering or
environmental problems should be conducted in accordance with procedures established by the American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM). Crosshole seismic test procedures are outlined in ASTM test designation D4428 M-
84 (1984). The ASTM procedures provide specific guidelines for borehole preparation, data acquisition, and data
reduction/ interpretation. Based on 10 years of experience, since the inception of the ASTM standard in 1984,
crosshole geophysical surveys have become more widely used and accepted for engineering as well as
environmental applications. Coupling detailed site information obtained from the crosshole tests with the overall
acceptance of the validity of the velocity data, these standards use both empirical correlations for liquefaction and
specific input parameters for deformation or ground motion analyses (U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, 1989).

Sources of errors

 One of the most common mistakes made by inexperienced practitioners of conventional crosshole seismic is
mistaking refracted energy for direct energy. Depending on layer thicknesses, distances between holes, and velocity
contrasts, the first-arrival energy is quite often refracted rather that direct. Refracted travel times must be corrected
prior to computing velocities.
 While downhole sparkers are available and generate good p-wave energy, shear wave velocity is difficult to measure
in crosshole seismic. Commercial availability of shear wave sources is limited, and these sources are rather difficult
to use.
 It is difficult to achieve “perfectly” vertical and straight boreholes. There is always some deviation in both parameters.
And since crosshole is often done in high-velocity material and closely spaced holes, assuming straight and vertical
holes can lead to signification errors. A borehole deviation survey is therefore imperative.
 Seismic refraction requires that velocities increase with depth. A lower velocity layer beneath a higher velocity layer
will not be detected by seismic refraction, and will lead to errors in depth calculations.
 The seismic source employed must match the desired depth of penetration. For hammer and plate work, the
maximum depth you can expect to explore to is about 15-20m; however, this can vary significantly depending on
geology, surface conditions, cultural noise, and the person swinging the hammer.
 Refraction is a relatively broad-brush technique – it looks at gross velocity differences, and you should not expect to
be able to map more than 3-4 individual velocity layers.
 Cultural noise can be a problem – it is more difficult to conduct a seismic survey in an urban environment than in a
rural one. Surveying along busy roadways should be avoided when possible. Shooting at night is sometimes
necessary in order to achieve acceptable signal-to-noise ratio in busy areas.
Material tools and equipments
In order to obtain share waves S and compressional waves P velocity soil profile two steps of measurement are
performed, using in different step an electrodynamic waves S generator, GEOS-H™, and a three dimensional
receiver, that are clamped to the hole housing with a pneumatic system, and an energy source SPARKER™ and an
hydrophone receiver for the wave P.

 The new P & S receiver configuration - developed by Solgeo to perform cross-hole tests in a fast way (a
unique cable for hydrophone and vertical geophone available) and ensuring highly quality results

Compressional P waves
To generate P waves an automatic energy source, SOLGEO SPARKER™ is used; it can work at many
different levels of power (from 100J to 1000J, normally 300J) and it must be used in boreholes filled with
water, up to 200 m depth.

 Electrodynamics power supply EG&G (from 100 to 1000 J), for P and S waves generation (sx) and new
Solgeo Hydrophone
 A hydrophone is used as receiver of P waves in a borehole filled with water.

 P waves transmitter, SPARKER™ (sx) and its frequency signature (dx) obtained in a sand-lime sequence

Shear S waves
The energy source SOLGEO GEOS-H™ generates automatically polarized waves and it has the possibility
to work in boreholes up to 200 m of depth also filled of water. The energy source substantially is composed
from two parts; a central section, that contains the pneumatic clamping assembly and second part that
contains the electrodynamics waves generator. The device allows to generate alternatively upwards and
downwards signals in a simple way, in order to obtain an inversion of the shear waves polarization,. The
shear waves arrival can be determinate in a more reliable and precise way.

 Electrodynamics transmitter for S waves GEOS-H™ (sx) Geophone receiver ATG-14 (dx) and its relating
pneumatic clamping system
 Acquisition unit and software
The data are recorded with a digital acquisition system by SOLGEO with high sample rate and dynamic
more than 110 dB, managed from dedicated software WinCrossHole™. The system allows to complete
operations of “averaging” of signal in order to obtain, when necessary, an improvement of the ratio
signal/noise. This is possible because the trigger system is perfectly synchronized.

 Acquisition unit MiniRec™ and its power supply Battey Box™, designed and produced by Solgeo.

In fact both S and P SOLGEO waves sources have a triggering system electronically controlled, this means
that the trigger signal is perfectly constant and delays are always measurable and controllable. For this
reason, the equipment used allows you to perform measurements using only two boreholes, thus avoiding
the costs of a third hole, while maintaining the reliability of the results in full compliance with ASTM
recommendations.

 WinCrossHole™ software, by Solgeo, permits to acquire and pick P wave (sx) and S wave first arrival (dx)
acquired during acquisition.
 Inclinometer survey
In order to obtain the actual S and P waves soil velocity it is necessary to measure the actual distance
between the holes at any measurement depth. The deviation logs that measures direction and inclination of
the holes in the 3D space, are executed employing the probe INCLIS™, designed and constructed by the
SOLGEO, that allow to perform a three-dimensional survey of the verticality of boreholes, being carried out
simultaneously an inclination relief and one of orientation.

 Inclinometer Probe A15 (sx) and its Acquisition Unit (dx)

 Sonic log survey
To check if the quality of contact between the holes casing and the soil is good, SOLGEO performs a
continuous sonic log into each hole. Signals are reproduced as sonic variable density diagrams (with
conventional name of “diagraphy”), which represent the sequence of the sonic signals as a function of time
(horizontal axis) and depth (vertical axis). When the grouting quality between soil and casing is constant, the
diagraphies show uniform characteristics; presence of voids or bad

 Sonic logging results (sonic diagraphies); on the left chart in blue line, velocity profile along borehole. In
yellow: grouting failure. Sonic probe made by a transmitter and a receiver separated by 1m acoustic
isolating material (dx).
 Cross Hole intermediate results. Waterfall plot of recorded seismic traces: signals on the left and P signals
on the right.

 Finale Cross Hole results: velocity profile for S waves (sx) and P waves (dx). For each velocity its
uncertainty is associated.
Procedure

1. Borehole Preparation:
1.1. Preferred—The preferred method for preparing a borehole set for crosshole testing incorporates three
boreholes in line, spaced 3.0 m [10 ft] apart, center-to-center on the ground surface, as illustrated in Figure.
If, however, it is known that S wave velocities will exceed 450 m/s [1500 ft/s], such as is often encountered
in alluvial materials, borehole spacings may be extended to 4.5 m [15 ft].

1.1.1. Drill the boreholes, with minimum sidewall disturbance, to a diameter not exceeding 165 mm [6.5 in.].
After the drilling is completed, case the boring with either 75 or 100 mm [3 or 4 in.] inside diameter
PVC pipe or aluminum casing. Before inserting the casing, close the bottom of the pipe with a cap
which has a one way ball-check valve capable of accommodating 38 mm [11⁄2 in.] outside diameter
grout pipe. Center the casing with spacers and insert it into the bottom of the borehole. Grout the
casing in place by (1) inserting a 38 mm [11⁄2 in.] PVC pipe through the center of the casing,
contacting the one-way valve fixed to the end cap (Figure (side A)), or (2) by a small diameter grout
tube inserted to the bottom of the borehole between the casing and the borehole sidewall (Figure
(side B)). Another acceptable method would be to fill the borehole with grout which would be
displaced by end-capped fluid-filled casing. The grout mixture should be formulated to approximate
closely the density of the surrounding in situ material after solidification. That portion of the boring that
penetrates rock should be grouted with a conventional portland cement which will harden to a density
 of about 2.20 Mg/m3 [140 lb/ft3 ]. That portion of the boring in contact with soils, sands, or gravels
should be grouted with a mixture simulating the average density of the medium (about 1.80 to 1.90
Mg/m 3 [110 to 120 lb/ft3 ]) by premixing 450 g [1 lb] of bentonite and 450 g [1 lb] of portland cement
to 2.80 kg [6.25 lb] of water. Anchor the casing and pump the grout using a conventional, circulating
pump capable of moving the grout through the grout pipe to the bottom of the casing upward from the
bottom of the borehole. Using this procedure, the annular space between the sidewall of the borehole
and the casing will be filled from bottom to top in a uniform fashion displacing mud and debris with
minimum sidewall disturbance. Keep the casing anchored and allow the grout to set before using the
boreholes for crosshole testing. If shrinkage occurs near the mouth of the borehole, additional grout
should be inserted until the annular space is filled flush with the ground surface (4).
1.2. Optional—If the scope or intended use of a particular project does not warrant the time and expense which
would be incurred by the preferred method, or if the specific project such as an investigation beneath a
relatively small machine foundation is undertaken, this optional method may be used.
1.2.1. In all cases, a minimum of two boreholes must be used. If the borings are to be 15 m [50 ft] deep or
less, verticality will be controlled using a level on the drill stem extending into the borehole. Center-to-
center surface borehole spacing will be determined by the nature of the project. Borings may be used
either with or without casing; however, if casing is used, grout must be injected between the casing
and sidewall of the borehole to ensure good contact in the manner described in 4.1.1.1. If the center-
to-center surface borehole spacing exceeds 6.0 m [20 ft], the probability of measurement of refracted
waves rather than a direct wave in each layer greatly increases. As a consequence, data obtained by
the optional method must be used with caution.
2. Borehole Deviation Survey—A borehole deviation survey must be conducted to determine accurately the
horizontal distance between borings.
2.1. Preferred Method— Conduct a borehole deviation survey in all three crosshole borings with an instrument
capable of measuring the precise vertical alignment of each hole. The instrument must have the capability
of determining horizontal orientation with a 2° sensitivity and an inclination range from 0 to 30° with a
sensitivity of 0.1°. Information thus obtained will enable the investigator to compute true vertical depth and
horizontal position at any point within the borehole so that actual distance between the holes can be
computed to within ±2 % to a depth of about 30.0 m [100 ft].
2.1.1. Proceed with the survey beginning at the mouth of the borehole obtaining deviation data at intervals
not exceeding 3.0 m [10 ft] to the bottom of the boring. Repeat the measurements on the withdrawal
trip at intervals not exceeding 6.0 m [20 ft] so that closure can be determined at the mouth of the
borehole.
2.2. Optional Method— If the scope of a project dictates the use of the optional procedure described in 4.1.2,
the following precautions must be undertaken to ensure verticality of the borings.
2.2.1. Level the borehole drilling apparatus using a level placed on the drill stem extending into the mouth of
the borehole.
2.2.2. As drilling progresses, recheck the drill stem at 3.0 m [10 ft] depth intervals and realign as necessary.
2.2.3. Limit the maximum depth of investigation to less than 15 m [50 ft]. If the depth of investigation
exceeds 15 m [50 ft] a deviation survey such as described in 4.2.1 must be conducted.
2.2.4. If casing is used, grout as described in 4.1.1, then evacuate all fluid from the interior and insert a
lighted plumb-bob observing its attitude at 3-m [10-ft] intervals. If the plumb-bob strikes the sidewall,
note that depth and the direction of deviation.
2.2.5. Estimate the distance between borings and provide appropriate caution statements on all data.
3. Crosshole Test:
3.1. Preferred Method— Begin the crosshole test by placing the energy source in an end hole at a depth no
greater than 1.5 m [5 ft] (Fig. 3) into the stratum being investigated. Place the two receivers at the same
elevation in each of the designated receiver holes. Clamp the source and receivers firmly into place. Check
recording equipment and verify timing. Activate the energy source and display both receivers
simultaneously on the recording device. Adjust the signal amplitude and duration such that the P-wave train
or S-wave train, or both, are displayed in their entirety.
3.1.1. Best results will be obtained by performing two separate tests: one optimized for P-wave recovery
(fastest sweep/recorder rate, higher gain settings) and the second for S-wave recovery (slower
sweep/recorder rate, lower gain settings). If enhancement equipment is being used, repeatedly
activate the energy source until optimum results are displayed. Do not overrange memory circuitry. A
clipped signal is unacceptable. Perform the second test by lowering the energy source and receivers
to a depth dictated by known stratification, but no greater than 1.5 m [5.0 ft] from the previous test
locations in the borings and repeat the above procedure. Perform succeeding tests at intervals
determined by stratification, or at intervals of 1.5 m [ 5 ft] until the maximum borehole depth has been
reached. During withdrawal of the energy source and receivers from the boreholes, perform repeat
tests 6.0-m [20-ft] intervals until the ground surface is reached.
3.2. Optional Method— Use a minimum of two boreholes. If, however, only two boreholes are used, the
importance of true zero time determination as described in 3.1.3 cannot be overemphasized. Place the
energy source in one borehole at a depth dictated by test objectives and the receiver at the same elevation
in the second borehole. Activate the seismic source and display the trigger mechanism and the receiver
simultaneously on the recording device. Adjust the sweep rate so that the P-wave train or S-wave train, or
both, are displayed in their entirety. If enhancement/stacking equipment is being used, the seismic source
should be activated repeatedly until optimum results are displayed. After wave trains have been identified
and duly recorded in their entirety, sweep rates may be expanded for optimum determination of arrival
times. Additional permanent records should then be made. Overranging of memory circuitry resulting in a
clipped signal is not acceptable. Repeat the test at a second location as predetermined by known
stratification information and repeat the above procedure. Perform succeeding tests at intervals of about
1.5 m [5 ft], or intervals determined by stratification.

https://www.geometrics.com/resource/crosshole-seismic/

https://archive.epa.gov/esd/archive-geophysics/web/html/general_crosshole_procedures.html

http://www.solgeo.it/media/download/CROSS_HOLE.pdf

ftp://geom.geometrics.com/pub/seismic/Literature/Crosswell%20Seismic%20ASTM.pdf