Geotechnical Parameters from Seismic Measurements: Two Field Examples from Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Khalil, Mohamed H.; Hanafy, Sherif M.

Geotechnical Parameters from Seismic Measurements: Two Field Examples from Egypt and Saudi Arabia

Type

Article

Authors

Khalil, Mohamed H.
Hanafy, Sherif M.

KAUST Department

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal,Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Online Publication Date

2016-03-18

Print Publication Date

2016-03

Date

2016-03-18

Abstract

© 2016 EEGS. Geotechnical parameters were used to determine subsurface rock quality for construction purposes. We summarize the mathematical relationships used to calculate the geotechnical parameters from P- and S-wave velocities and density values. These relationships are applied to two field examples; the first is a regional seismic study in Egypt and the second is a 2-D seismic profile recorded in Saudi Arabia. Results from both field examples are used to determine the subsurface rock quality and locate zones that should be avoided during construction. We suggest combining all geotechnical parameters into one map using a normalized-weighted relation, which helps to locate the zones with high versus low rock quality for engineering purposes.

Citation

Khalil MH, Hanafy SM (2016) Geotechnical Parameters from Seismic Measurements: Two Field Examples from Egypt and Saudi Arabia. J ENVIRON ENG GEOPHYS 21: 13–28. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.2113/JEEG21.1.13.