RAJIV KHATRI et al.

/ (IJAEST) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES

Vol No. 3, Issue No. 2, 138 - 141

“GEOPHYSICAL - VERTICAL ELECTRICAL SOUNDING - METHOD

IN THE EVALUATION OF DIFFICULT TERRAINS”
RAJIV KHATRI
Life Member Indian Society for Earthquake Technology, IIT
Roorkey,AMIE (I), Member IGS Jabalpur Chapter,Jabalpur
Professor Department of Civil Engineering, Hitkarini College of
Engineering & Technology,Dumna Airport Road, Jabalpur,M.P.
Pin 482001; Email-khatri_rajiv1@yahoo.co.in;
ABSTRACT :-
A complete range of field investigation methods, are available,
for detailed field investigations for, civil engineering
construction purposes. These are traditional methods and
tools, which have been in practice over the last hundred years
or so. These methods and tools were considered to be adequate
so far as simple moderate structures were being built, based on
the field data obtained through a combination of field and
laboratory tests. These methods and tools like, all other
methods, suffer from limitations of their application to difficult
terrains, steep hill slopes, marshy and swampy areas, coastal
V.K.SHRIVASTAVA
Geo-technologist, Chairman IGS Jabalpur Chapter,
Professor (Retired) Government Engineering College
JabalpurM.P. Email - Prof_vinay@yahoo.co.in
DR. RAJEEV CHANDAK
Reader,JabalpurCollege of Engineering, Jabalpur,M.P.;.
Email- rajeevchandak2003@yahoo.com
2. PROBLEM OF SUB-SURFACE INVESTIGATION OF
TYPICAL BASALTIC TERRAIN :-
A very large area of Madhya Pradesh is occupied
by lava flows and dykes, giving rise to typical
basaltic terrains : contemporary with the formation
of the Deccan Plateau. [Part of the Jabalpur district
and complete district area of Seoni, Chhindwara
and Mandla represent this type of terrain. The

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regions and areas where a frequent variation of soil and rock topographical features within the terrain give rise to
materials exist in the areas to be investigated. No modification flat high lands or ridge like structures called
or updating has been done to make these methods suitable for plateaus, sloping grounds, valleys and low lying
all types of areas and for deeper probes below the ground areas].
surface e.g. for obtaining bed rock position, for thick land fill
areas, for obtaining the continuity of rock strata and for
determining the position of various sub-stratifications. Basaltic terrain consists only of basaltic rocks
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Presently a strong need is being felt to develop and put in
practice the Geo-physical methods of sub-surface investigation
for a more precise and fast assessment of large area
which have disintegrated and decomposed to
different extents giving rise to a large variety of
soil and rock materials, the typical of which are
mooram ( a thin soil matrix in which boulders and
characteristics, economically, and where conventional methods pebbles are embedded), copra, black cotton soil and
cannot be used. It is true that Geo-physical methods require thick ledge and slabs of the rock itself.
proper interpretation of data which in turn needs a high degree
of experience and expertise for making the interpretation.
With the availability of computer aided interpreting software,
For the engineering evaluation of such terrains,
the interpretation of the geo-physical methods data can also be problems arise regarding the type of field and lab
done easily. Now that, we have entered into a phase, where tests to be preferred for obtaining engineering data
large and big sized structures are required to be built in weak pertaining to the behaviour of different materials
vis-à-vis civil engineering construction.
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and difficult and sensitive areas, we have to take recourse to
the Geo-physical methods and develop them into a popular tool
for the enhancement and benefit of the civil engineering
activities which require better and more information of every 3. CONVENTIONAL TESTS :-
inch of the area. The paper proposes to highlight the
effectiveness of Vertical Electrical Sounding technique of geo-
Various field tests are prescribed in the Codes of
physical instrumentation.
Practice which are conventionally adopted in all
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types of terrains but have limitations of application

Key Words : Vertical Electric Sounding (VES), Standard
to the basaltic terrain. The common field tests are –
Penetration Test (SPT), Cone Penetration Test (CPT)
1. Plate Load Test,
1. INTRODUCTION :- 2. Standard Penetration Test,
3. Cone Penetration Test,
4. Auguring, drilling and collection of cores of
Field investigations are a necessity for collecting important
soils & rocks,
characteristics of the ground up to a certain stipulated depth
5. Pressure Meter Test,
required prior to the construction of any major Civil
6. Permeability Test, etc.
Engineering structure. Field Investigation is also needed for
collecting samples of various soils and rock materials
All these methods belong to the category of
present in ground up to the desired level; for conducting
destructive or semi-destructive testing tools.
laboratory test on the samples to ascertain their engineering
properties and behaviours. There are few standard and 4. GEOPHYSICAL INSTRUMENTATION METHOD
traditional equipments and tools which are invariably always FOR SUB-SURFACE EVALUATION :-
employed for the evaluation of the terrains. These are old
and time honored tools although they have their own
Since the construction activity has now been taken
limitations regarding their suitability in all types of terrains
to all types of ground locations and conditions,
and ground conditions.
these destructive tools no longer serve the purpose.
Geophysical instrumentation is gradually being
preferred as a viable and more versatile tool which
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 RAJIV KHATRI et al. / (IJAEST) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES
can provide all important information of these subsurface
areas up to any depth, as an alternative to the destructive
methods and tools.
In the Middle Amur sedimentary basin (MASB) Vertical
Electrical Sounding method has been used for discovery of
lacustrine sediments in the southwestern and eastern parts of
the MASB. The Correlation of seismic and drilling data
confirmed the correctness of the interpretations and showed
that boreholes penetrated a thin sequence of deep-water
lacustrine sediments.
Vertical Electrical Sounding Method has also been used in
the city of Burdur in southwestern part of Turkey for
determining the settlement properties of the soil and for
defining the zones vulnerable for liquefaction in the city.
The VES data has also provided very useful information on
vertical and horizontal extends of geologic units and water
content in the subsurface.
An electrical measurement through Geophysical
Instrumentation is a non-destructive or non-invasive
methodology which is capable of being used in any type of
terrain / topographic conditions and it has, practically, no
limitations. The instrument used are handy and can be
carried any where. The instrumentation can be done in much
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smaller time frame as compared to any of the destructive
equipments; it is economical, dependable and is repeatable.
To check for such buried features and boundaries, as well as
to validate the geomorphological model assumed for the
study area, resistivity survey was conducted. The
Schlumberger technique, known as vertical electric
sounding (VES), was selected as it is known to be superior
over other techniques in distinguishing lateral from vertical
variations in resistivity and field operations are faster. The
instrument used was DDR-3 IGIS Hydrabad resistivity
instrument. It is a compact digital averaging resistivity meter
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that contains a transmitter and receiver functions packed in
one unit. It is designed to measure extremely weak electrical
signal. Measurements at each ground level were repeatedly
stacked to eliminate ground noise and other electrical
interferences that can hamper the survey. This stacking
feature automatically cancels spontaneous potential in
resistivity measurement. The instrument can transmit up to
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200 mA under more or less 200 V, which is sufficient
enough for ordinary resistivity surveying. As in usual field
procedure, the computed apparent resistivity values were
plotted at logarithmic scale paper to gain an initial view of
the resulting curve. This is undertaken prior to interpretation
or at the sounding site to preclude unwanted curve, which
results when errors are committed in readings and in
distances set up. The interpretation of the measured values is
facilitated through the use of a computer. A resistivity
sounding interpretation was made using the database
management and sounding interpretation including plotting
of sounding curves. A computer programme is designed to
automatically fit the theoretical curve to that of the master
curves using iterations and test for convergence/divergence
processes. The resulting interpretation was then compared
with and adjusted based on drilling and test pit data
available in the area.
5. CASE HISTORY :-
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Vol No. 3, Issue No. 2, 138 - 141
In order to illustrate the effectiveness of the method
case histories of two typical basaltic terrain is being
given.
Case History 1 –
Construction activity is taking place within the
premises of Pt. Dwarka Prasad Mishra Indian
Institute of Information Technology and Design
Manufacturing (P.D.M.I.I.I.T.D.M.) near Dumna
Airport road in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. The
character of the ground is very typical of any
terrain belonging to the Central India and the
Deccan Plateau where large scale lava flows
constituted the terrains. The flows have
decomposed and disintegrated into thick top layers
of rounded boulders of various sizes covered by a
very thin veneer of red or black cotton soil. The
weathering has affected the lava flow even up to a
depth of 5.0 m to 10.0 m below the ground level.
The boulders occur as separated entities or as
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highly jointed members in the weathered basaltic
layer.
Case History 2 –
Construction activity in the Special Economic Zone
(SEZ) near Chhindwara is proposed. The
investigation site at Chhindwara is constituted of a
raised plateaus of basaltic rocks. The ground
surface is highly undulating and the rock has
weathered and disintegrated up to a depth of 1.5 m
to 2.0 m. At some places moorum type of soil has
developed on weathered rock surface and in some
other places the boulders are directly exposed on
the surface without soil cover.
The extent of decomposition and disintegration of
rock has occurred up to a depth of 2.0 m below
which large stone blocks (ledges) are present which
changes into bed rock at depth of 3 to 4 m.
The problem of finding out the compressive
strength of such weathered and disintegrated
materials and to decide upon the foundation depth
level of the preferred foundation type cannot be
solved by any of the conventional field testing
methods because –
1. Plate Load Test – This test is not ment for
testing fragmented and loose rock layers. It is
basically designed to find out the safe bearing
capacity of cohesive soils only. Since there is
little or no soil cover present, this test method
cannot be used.
2. Standard Penetration Test - SPT tests require
auguring or drilling of a hole in the ground and
for conducting the penetration test at different
levels below the ground surface. Drilling by
any method cannot be conducted in grounds
which have thick layer of boulders and SPT is
not designed for such ground conditions.
3. Cone Penetration Test - CPT is also out of
question to be used under such conditions.
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 RAJIV KHATRI et al. / (IJAEST) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES
Vol No. 3, Issue No. 2, 138 - 141
In such cases some alternative method or tool has to be used Strength
for probing the ground up to various depths to obtain Top
important characteristics of the ground upon which decision Mixed
regarding the depth and type of foundation to be provided of 1 1.0 m 104.8 Ω N.A.
Soil
different types of structures proposed to be built can be layer
taken. 2 2.0 m 672.0 Ω WR N.A.
HFR
The non-invasive electrical measurement is done selecting 3 3.0 m 734.7 Ω 900 kN/m2
(WR)
profiles suitable for taking cross-sections in the desired area. Basaltic
The data obtained in the form of true resistivity values at 4 4.0 m 609.2 Ω Rock 1000 kN/m2
different depths below the ground level can be read directly Bed
as the value of the compressive strength of the layer after Basaltic
using a suitable factor of safety. The method does not > 1000
5 5.0 m 629.0 Ω Rock
require any sample of soils / rock to be collected and tested kN/m2
Bed
in the laboratory. If done carefully, the log can be obtained (WR-Weathered Rock, HFR-Highly Fisherd Rock)
showing exact position of soil, Disintegrated Rock (DR),
Weathered Rock (WR), Soft Rock (SR) and bed rock For Site 1 at Chhindwara M.P.
identical with the actually prepared drilling core log. There
are certain specific property indices (SPI) prepared to Safe
True
designate each type of geo-material present below the SN Depth Log Compressive
Resistivity
ground. The SPI also indicates the value of ultimate bearing Strength

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capacity in case of soil materials and ultimate compressive Top
strength values in case of DR, WR, SR and bed rock 1 1.0 m 78.5 Ω Mixed N.A.
materials under natural confined condition. Layer
Top
I. General Profile Based on VES Logs 2 2.0 m 100.5 Ω Mixed N.A.
0.00 m Layer
Top Gravelly Soil

Soil with Pebbles & Boulders

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0.50 m

1.50 m
3
4
5
3.0 m
4.0 m
5.0 m
117.0 Ω
105.5 Ω
125.6 Ω
WR
Ledge
Bed
Rock
250 kN/m2
400 kN/m2
500 kN/m2

Boulder For Site 2 at Chhindwara M.P.

2.00 m
Safe
Ledge + Boulder True
SN Depth Log Compressive
3.00 m Resistivity
Strength
Top
Rock Slab
A
1 1.0 m 61.2 Ω Mixed N.A.
4.00 m Layer
Top
Rock + Slab 2 2.0 m 64.0 Ω Mixed N.A.
5.00 m Layer
3 3.0 m 94.3 Ω Ledge 250 kN/m2
II. VES Data Bed
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For Site 1 at PDMIIITDM, Jabalpur M.P. 4 4.0 m 108.0 Ω 400 kN/m2

Rock
Bed
Safe 5 5.0 m 184.2 Ω 600 kN/m2
True Rock
SN Depth Log Compressive
Resistivity
Strength
Mixed III. Lab Tests
1 1.0 m 119.3 Ω
Soil + N.A. a. Gradation of soil which is mostly
Boulders lateritic in nature
HFR Gravel – 86%; Sand 4%; Silt 4-6% and
2 2.0 m 251.2 Ω N.A.
(WR) Clay 4-0%
3 3.0 m 518.0 Ω WR 800 kN/m2 b. Bulk density values – between 1.68 to
Basaltic 1.72 gm / c.c.
4 4.0 m 615.4 Ω Rock 1000 kN/m2 c. Water content w = 6.4 to 21 %
Bed d. Cohesion c = 0
Basaltic e. Angle of internal friction Φ = 28º and
> 1000
5 5.0 m 628.0 Ω Rock above.
kN/m2
Bed
For Site 2 at PDMIIITDM, Jabalpur M.P. 6. INTERPRETATION :-

True Safe During the Vertical Electrical Sounding the data

SN Depth Log
Resistivity Compressive obtained for each 1.0m thick layer represented the
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 RAJIV KHATRI et al. / (IJAEST) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED ENGINEERING SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGIES
Vol No. 3, Issue No. 2, 138 - 141
apparent resistivity values for all subsequent layers except f) Khalil, M.A., Hafez, M.A., Santos, F.M.,
the top 1.0 m layer. The values had to be converted into true Ramalho, E.C., Mesbah, H.S.A., El-Qady,
resistivity values for each layer and also from the values the G.M. (2010), “An approach to estimate
identity of the geotechnical character of the material was porosity and groundwater salinity by combined
application of GPR and VES: A case study in
also interpreted and is given in the log.
the Nubian sandstone aquifer”, Near Surface
Geophysics 8 (3), pp. 223-233
For generating safe compressive strength values for the g) Kate Dr. J.M. IITD (1984) “Comparison of
layer, the true resistivity values were processed considering True Resistivity Values with SPT Generated N
the confinement conditions of the layer and with the help of Values”, International Seminar, Tokyo, Japan,
the suitable multiplication factor, the values for ultimate 1984.
compressive strength for the layer were computed and safe h) Shrivastava V.K. and Khare D.K. (1999)
compressive strength values were obtained using a factor of “Umar Aqueduct :Success Story of a
safety of 5 or 6. Geotechnically Difficult and Forbidden
Project.” IGS and ISSMFE 1999 –
International Seminar held at Seoul, Korea
On the basis of the generalized VES log it is inferred that i) Shrivastava V.K. and Khare D.K. (2000)
the top soil cover is very thin and is underlain by layers of “Difficulties in Assessing the Bearing Capacity
pebbles and boulders of variable thickness which merges of Soils.” IGC 2000 Millennium Seminar held
imperceptibly into thick layer of boulders and ledges resting at IIT Mumbai,
on thick slabs of basalt. With this type of arrangement and j) Shrivastava V.K. (2002) “Use of Electrical
the data analysis from the laboratory test sufficient Resistivity in Geotechnical Explorations.”
information regarding the type of foundation which can be National Seminar on Recent Trends in Civil

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provided to any structure being planned on such terrains and Engineering at MBM Engineering College,
JNV University, Jodhpur, 2002.
of course the foundation depth of the structure can also be
k) Mościcki, W.J., Sokołowski, T. (2010),
decided depending upon the details of the structure. “Electric resistivity and compactness of
sediments in the vicinity of boreholes drilled in
the years 2007-2008 in the area of Starunia
7. CONCLUSION :- palaeontological site (Carpathian region,
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From the above study of the terrain and instrumentation it is
clear that Vertical Electrical Sounding data if carefully
obtained, processed and interpreted in the light of the terrain
l)
Ukraine)”, Annales Societatis Geologorum
Poloniae 79 (3), pp. 343-355
C. Subbarao, and N. V. Subbarao, “Delineation
of effluent contaminated zones by electrical
surveys at two industrial sites in
characteristics, it is possible to generate numerical values for Visakhapatnam, India” (1994), Environmental
safe bearing capacity or safe compressive strength, as the Geology, Volume 24, Number 4 / December,
case may be, without using the conventional field 1994, 281-286
equipments and the laboratory support needed by such
equipments. This also is evidently clear that such terrains
are not friendly to the use of conventional tools and
methods, yet the terrain has to be characterized for the
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engineering behaviour of the materials present.

8. REFERENCE :-

a) M.Desai (India) (1994), “Geophysical Instrumentation

for Engineering Field Tests”. Proceedings of the XII
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International Conference on Soil Mechanics and

Foundation Engineering, Vol.6, page 103
b) RJ Whitley Australia (1994), Proceedings of the XII
International Conference on Soil Mechanics and
Foundation Engineering, Vol. 5 page 195
c) Y Iwaskai, Japan (1994), Proceedings of the XII
International Conference on Soil Mechanics and
Foundation Engineering,Vol.5, page 199
d) A.K. Dhawan (1994), “Geophysical Investigation of
Tehri Dam”, Proceedings of the XII International
Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation
Engineering, Vol.4, page 1345.
e) Yadav, G.S., Dasgupta, A.S., Sinha, R., Lal, T.,
Srivastava, K.M., Singh, S.K. (2010), “Shallow sub-
surface stratigraphy of interfluves inferred from
vertical electric soundings in western Ganga plains,
India”, Quaternary International

ISSN: 2230-7818 @ 2011 http://www.ijaest.iserp.org. All rights Reserved. Page 141