Seismic Refraction

Some uses of seismic refraction

Mapping bedrock topography
Determining the depth of gravel, sand or clay
deposits
Delineating perched water tables
Determining the depth to the water table
Detecting subsurface caverns
Estimating rippability
Detecting shallow faults and fracture zones
Detecting large boulders

ACTIVE STANDARD: D5777-00(2006) Standard Guide

for Using the Seismic Refraction Method for
Subsurface Investigation

$42.90 for PDF

Developed by Subcommittee: D18.01

See Related Work by this Subcommittee
Adoptions:
Book of Standards Volume: 04.09

1. Scope

This guide covers the equipment, field procedures,

and interpretation methods for the assessment of
subsurface conditions using the seismic refraction
method.
Seismic refraction measurements as described in
this guide are applicable in mapping subsurface
conditions for various uses including geologic,
geotechnical, hydrologic, environmental, mineral
exploration, petroleum exploration, and
archaeological investigations.
The seismic refraction method is used to map
geologic conditions including depth to bedrock, or
to water table, stratigraphy, lithology, structure, and
fractures or all of these.
The calculated seismic wave velocity is related to
mechanical material properties. Therefore,
characterization of the material (type of rock,
degree of weathering, and rippability) is made on
the basis of seismic velocity and other geologic
information.

Refraction Lay Out

Seismic Refraction
Advantages
Simple layout
Low manpower requirements
Limited Equipment Requirements
Rapid data reduction and analysis (computer
not needed)
Easy interpretation

Seismic Refraction
Disadvantages
Relatively large energy input required
Relatively long layout (10 times depth)
Limited number of model layers
Limited velocity differences
Limited interface geometry (assume smooth)

Rippability versus seismic velocity. (Caterpillar.

Handbook of Ripping, 8 th Edition)

Simple Plot
Distance

TimeD

Time R

30

32

12

16

34

18

24

36

24

32

38

30

40

40

36

48

42

42

56

44

48

64

46

54

72

48

60

80

50

66

88

52

72

96

54

78

104

56

84

112

58

Two Equations for Simple

Refraction

These two equations should give the same answer.

It should be less than half the crossover distance.

Steps in solving for depth

1 Determine the velocities of both layers
in meters per second or feet per second
2 Determine the crossover distance
3 Determine the time intercept for V2
4 Determine the depth to layer 2 using
Both refraction equations (internal check)

Down Dip

Up Dip

Dipping Bed Equations

1
1 v1
sin
2
v2d

v1
sin

v 2u

1
1 v1
c sin
2
v2d

v1
sin

v 2u
1