CROSS HOLE TEST FOR DETERMINING DYNAMIC PROPERTIES OF SOIL

ASHOKAN K M2, GeoTech,

Introduction :
Dynamic properties are the properties of soil which are needed in the analysis and design of a structure subjected to dynamic loading.

Dynamic properties:
(a) Dynamic moduli, - Young's modulus E - Shear modulus G - Bulk modulus K (b) Poisson's ratio (c) Dynamic elastic constants, - Coefficient of elastic uniform compression Cu, - Coefficient of elastic uniform shear Cv, - Coefficient of elastic non-uniform compression C - Coefficient of elastic non-uniform shear C

Dynamic properties: (d) Damping ratio (e) Liquefaction parameters, - Cyclic stress ratio, - Cyclic deformation - Pore pressure response. (f) Strength-deformation characteristics.

...Contd

TESTING METHODS Laboratory Tests:

Resonant column test,
Ultrasonic pulse test, Cyclic simple shear test, Cyclic torsional simple shear test, Cyclic triaxial compression test.

Field Tests:
Seismic cross-bore hole survey
Seismic up-hole survey Seismic down-hole survey Seismic refraction survey Vertical block resonance test

Horizontal block resonance test

Cyclic plate load test Standard penetration test

SEISMIC CROSS-BORE HOLE SURVEY

Based on the measurement of velocity of wave propagation from one borehole to another. Seismic energy is generated at the bottom of one borehole and the time of travel of the shear wave from this borehole to another at known distance is measured. Shear wave velocity is then computed by dividing the distance between the boreholes by the travel.

Multiple hole seismic cross hole survey (After Stoke and Woods, 1972)

Apparatus:
Energy Sources - P Wave Generators Impulsive Sources- Explosives, Hammer, Air gun - S Wave Generators- Repeatable source Receivers - Transducers Geophones & Accelerometers Recording System - Separate Amplifiers for each transducer - Display unit with digital signal filtering Oscilloscope

Oscilloscope

Crosshole Testing
ASTM D 4428 Pump

t Shear Wave Velocity: Vs = x/t

Downhole Hammer (Source)
Test Depth
packer
Note: Verticality of casing must be established by slope inclinometers to correct distances x with depth.

x
Slope
Inclinometer

Velocity Transducer (Geophone Receiver)

Slope

Inclinometer

PVC-cased Borehole

PVC-cased Borehole

Procedure
Borehole Preparation:

Three boreholes in line, spaced 3.0 m apart. It may be extended to 4.5 m if higher velocity is expected.
Drill boreholes, with a dia not exceeding 165 mm. After the drilling, case the boring with 75 /100 mm inside dia PVC / aluminum casing. Grout the space between casing & bore hole.

Cross hole Test:

Place the energy source in an end hole at a depth not greater than 1.5 m.
Place the two receivers at the same elevation in each of the designated receiver holes and clamp firmly. Activate the energy source and display both receivers simultaneously on the recording device. Repeat the test by lowering the energy source and receivers to a depth not greater than 1.5 m from the previous test locations.

During withdrawal of the energy source and receivers from the boreholes, perform repeat tests at 6.0-m intervals.

Data Tabulation
Depth in Mtr Travel Time in sec. S R1 P S S - R2 P S R1 - R2 P S P Apparent velocity m/s S R1 S S - R2 P S R1 - R2 P S

Shear wave velocity versus depth from cross hole seismic survey (After Stokes and Woods 1972)

Calculations:
The various dynamic properties can be then determined by: Youngs Modulus, E = Vc2 (1+) (1-2 ) / (1- ) Where, Vc = Velocity of compression waves in m/s = Mass density of soil in N/m3 = Poissons ratio of soil Shear Modulus, G = Vs2 Where, Vs = Velocity of shear waves in m/s Coefficient of elastic uniform compression, Cu = 1.13 E / [(1- 2)A1/2] Where, A = Area of contact in m2 Coefficient of elastic uniform shear, C = Cu / (1.50 to 2.00) Coefficient of elastic non-uniform compression, C = 3.46 C Coefficient of elastic non-uniform shear, C = 1.50 C

ADVANTAGES:
Gives detailed and accurate in situ velocity profile. Permits exact interpretation of mode of propagation of the waves. Assess the complex layered velocity structure. For coarse-grained materials, it is the most acceptable The only method that has an ASTM standard.

DISADVANTAGES:
Not applicable where hazardous subsurface conditions exists. Difficult in loose, liquefiable sand and gravel type soils. Requires minimum two bore holes and hence expensive.

Solgeo Hydrophone for P and S waves generation

Electrodynamics transmitter for S waves GEOS-H (sx) Geophone receiver ATG-14 (dx) and its relating pneumatic clamping system

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

REFERENCES
1.Swami Saran, 1999, Soil Dynamics and Machine Foundations Galgotia Publications Pvt. Ltd., pp119-183 2.ASTM D4428 / D4428M, (2000), Standard Test Methods for Cross hole Seismic Testing 3.IS 5249, (1978), Determination of dynamic properties of soil 4.IS 2810, (1979), Glossary of terms relating to soil dynamics

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