• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.339-352
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• 2016

The best way of investigating the physical and mechanical properties of subsurface materials is the combined interpretation of data from borehole geophysical surveys and geotechnical experiments with rock samples. In this study two surface seismic surveys with refraction and surface-wave method are alternatively conducted for downhole seismic surveys in test site for geological field trip in Jeungpyung, Chungbuk. P- and S-wave velocity structures are delineated by refraction and MASW (multichannel analysis of shear waves) methods, respectively. Possion's ratio section, reconstructed from P- and S-wave velocities, is correlated to the outcrop geological features consisting of reddish sedimentary rock, gray volcanic rock, and joints/fractures. In addition, rock samples representative for reddish sedimentary and gray volcanic features are geotechnically analyzed to provide physical, mechanical properties, and elastic modulus. Dynamic elastic moduli estimated from geophysical data is found to be higher than the one from geotechnical data. Reddish sedimentary rock characterized with low porosity and moisture content corresponds to the zone of low electrical resistivities and their small variations in the resistivity sections between the rainy and dry days. This trend suggests that the weathered gray volcanic rock and the nearby fractures with higher low porosity and moisture content are interpreted to be good carrier especially in rainy season.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.507-522
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• 2021

Specific survey objectives often cannot be met using only one geophysical method, as each method's results are influenced by the specific physical properties of subsurface materials. In particular, areas susceptible to geological hazards require investigation using more than one method in order to reduce risks to life and property. Instead of analyzing the results from each method separately, this work develops a four-quadrant criterion for classifying areas of levees as safe or weak. The assessment is based on statistically determined thresholds of seismic velocity (P-wave velocity from seismic refraction and S-wave velocity from multichannel analysis of surface waves) and electrical resistivity. Thresholds are determined by subtracting the standard deviation from the mean during performance testing of this correlation technique applied to model data of four horizontal and inclined fracture zones. Compared with results from the crossplot of resistivity and P-wave velocity, crossplot analysis using resistivity and S-wave velocity data provides more reliable information on the soil type, ground stiffness, and lithological characteristics of the levee system. A loose and sandy zone (represented by low S-wave velocity and high resistivity) falling within the second quadrant is interpreted to be a weak zone. This interpretation is well supported by the N values from standard penetrating test for the central core.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.381-393
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• 2021

Physical, mechanical, hydraulic, and geophysical tests were applied to validate methods of inspecting the effectiveness of grouting on an agricultural reservoir dam. Data obtained from series of in situ and laboratory tests considered four stages: before grouting; during grouting; immediately after grouting; and after aging the grouting for 28 days. The results of SPT and triaxial tests, including the unit weight, compressive strength, friction angle, cohesion, and N-value, indicated the extent of ground improvement with respect to grout injection. However, they sometimes contained errors caused by ground heterogeneity. Hydraulic conductivity obtained from in situ variable head permeability testing is most suitable for identifying the effectiveness of grouting because the impermeability of the ground increased immediately after grouting. Electric resistivity surveying is useful for finding a saturated zone and a seepage pathway, and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) is suitable for analyzing the effectiveness of grouting, as elastic velocity increases distinctly after grouting injection. MASW also allows calculation from the P- and S- wave velocities of dynamic properties (e.g., dynamic elastic modulus and dynamic Poisson's ratio), which can be used in the seismic design of dam structures.