1.1
These test methods are limited to the determination of the low strain (<10
–4
%) velocity of two types of horizontally travelling seismic waves in soil materials; primary compression (
P-wave
) and secondary shear (
S-wave
) waves. The standard assumes that the method used to analyze the data obtained is based on first arrival times or interval arrival times over a measured distance.
1.2
Various applications of the data are addressed and interpretation procedures and equipment, such as seismic sources, receivers, and recording systems are discussed. Other items addressed include borehole spacing, drilling, casing, grouting, deviation surveys, and actual test procedures.
1.3
These test methods are primarily concerned with the actual test procedure, data interpretation, and specifications for equipment which will yield uniform test results. Data reduction and interpretation are limited to the identification of various seismic wave types, example computations, use of Snell's law of refraction, and assumptions.
1.4
There are several devices that can be used to generate high-quality P-waves or vertically polarized S-waves (
SV-waves
) or both and horizontally polarized S-waves (
SH-waves
). Several types of commercially available receivers and recording systems can also be used to conduct a crosshole survey.
1.5
All recorded and calculated values shall conform to the guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026
.
1.5.1
The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded and calculated in these test methods are regarded as the industry standard. The procedures used do not consider material variation, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives. Measurements made to more significant digits or better sensitivity than specified in these test methods shall not be regarded a nonconformance with this standard.
1.6
Units—
The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units [given in brackets] are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.
1.7
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
====== Significance And Use ======
5.1
Crosshole seismic tests provide data about the seismic wave velocities of subsurface stratigraphic materials between boreholes as a function of depth at a site
(
1
)
.
3
Seismic wave velocities are directly related to the important geotechnical elastic constants, which are essential input parameters in geotechnical foundation designs. Such parameters are used in both analyses of soil behavior under both static and dynamic loads where the elastic constants are input variables into the models defining the different states of deformations such as elastic, elasto-plastic, and failure. Another important use of derived shear wave velocities in geotechnical design is in the liquefaction assessment of soils. Examples of the use of the derived P-wave and S-wave velocities are summarized as follows:
5.1.1
For input into static/dynamic analyses;
5.1.2
For computing shear modulus, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio (provided density is known or assumed);
5.1.3
For determining Seismic Site Class using the appropriate Building Code; and
5.1.4
For assessing liquefaction potential.
5.2
Fundamental assumptions inherent in the test methods are as follows:
5.2.1
Horizontal layering is assumed.
5.2.2
Snell’s law of refraction applies to P-waves and S-waves and to the velocities derived from crosshole tests. If Snell’s law of refraction is not considered in the analysis of Crosshole Seismic Testing data, the report shall so state. In that case special attention shall be given whenever high velocity layers are adjacent to low velocity layers, since waves can refract through the high velocity layers and arrive sooner than the direct waves
(
2
)
.
5.2.3
Strong amplitude Total Internal Reflections (TIRs) will be present where higher velocity materials are adjacent to the layer under investigation (see
Fig. 1
). They arise when the incident angle exceeds the critical angle; as a result of which reflection coefficients become complex, which in turn leads to distortions in the reflected source wave (4). TIRs can significantly distort the desired direct travel path source wave and, if detected, should be documented in the test report.
Note 1:
The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the equipment and facility used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice
D3740
are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice
D3740
provides a means of evaluating some, but not all, of those factors.