The improvement of geotechnical subsurface models through the application of S-wave reflection seismic exploration

Abstract

Due to its relatively high sensitivity to the distribution of elastic parameters, the seismic technique is quite suitable for geotechnical subsurface investigations. However, practical implementation of the P-wave exploration technique for soft-soil and shallow-groundwater conditions, as often encountered in the Netherlands, may often prove problematic; the highimpedance contrast at the groundwater table may induce strong reverberations and guided waves, resulting in a distortion of the seismic record at shallow depth. The use of buried sources may be of some advantage, but at the cost of a considerable decrease in the speed of operation.