Seismic refraction method in the determination of site characteristics

Abstract

Preliminary site properties need geophysical methods to determine it, the same as the large use of the seismic refraction method to detect the layers of soil and the depth reaching the bedrock. This study was conducted to find out the subsurface profile characteristics of a backyard field in UTM, Skudai following the principles of this method. The analysis of seismic data processed using ZondST2D software by determining the first arrival time until we get a block model of 2D shape based on the primary propagation of seismic velocity wave’s in soil layers. It was found that the investigated subsurface profile consists of four layers showing the level of weathering grade ranges from 600–4000 m/s based on the classification of rock mass in Malaysia. It was found that weathering rates decreased at higher depth, with the increase of density for the material and dampness reduction of seismic velocity. It was concluded that the survey of seismic refraction in development can be used only for shallow subsurface profiles and far from noise and disturbance.