Date of Award

6-2018

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Geosciences

First Advisor

Dr. William A. Sauck

Second Advisor

Dr. Mohamed Sultan

Third Advisor

Dr. Michelle Kominz

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Osama Abudayyeh

Keywords

Geophysics, engineer geology, azimuthal seismic array, electrical resistivity, joints, fractures

Abstract

This research used geophysical methods to detect the presence of sub-vertical failure planes, their direction(s), and their frequency in bedrock beneath soil or glacial drift overburden. Azimuthal measurements using the seismic, electrical resistivity (ER), and electromagnetic conductivity were made to evaluate which techniques might provide the best indication of the bedrock joints, faults, or shear zones. Measurements were made at multiple sites near each of three locations: Jackson, Alpena, and Grand Ledge, Michigan. The first two are former limestone quarries and the third is underlain by sandstone. Seismic measurements began with one or two linear refraction spreads, used to establish thickness of overburden and identify the S waves. The Circular Array Seismic Survey (CASS) was done by placing the 24 geophones around a 10 or 15m radius circle (15 degree intervals), with the shot point in the center, measuring arrival times of the P and S waves. The EM-31 conductivity was used to quickly determine that there were no wires or pipes in or near the survey circle, as well as to profile along the diameters of the circle at 12 different azimuths. Electrical resistivity measurements included linear and azimuthal square arrays. The linear array consisted of expanding 4-electrodes in the fashion used in Schlumberger array, which constitutes a Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to determine the resistivity layering and, similar to the linear array in the seismic refraction method, gave a second or independent measure of the depth to bedrock, water table, or other discontinuity when interpreted. The azimuthal square array was used for the resistivity measurements in the same circle of the CASS, with the diagonal of the square being the circle diameter. This array was rotated to 12 unique azimuths at 15° intervals. Reference measurements of the strikes of failure planes were made using a Brunton compass and photographs at adjacent bedrock exposures. Verification of results was done by comparing the geophysical results and the measured strikes and dips of the nearby exposures of the joint systems. Computer software analyses of the results showed coincidence of the tests results with the strike measurements in some areas, whereas others did not. Some of the methods are very sensitive to variations in thickness and water saturation of the overburden. These effects, as well as lateral resistivity gradients in the bedrock and overburden can apparently cause false indications of fracture systems.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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