Geological and geophysical investigations of an engineering site characterization for construction purposes in Western Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Characterizing subsurface site conditions and understanding main geological features are critical components of any safety assessment for any construction, particularly defining subsurface flow paths and weakness (i.e. fracture and fault) zones. Poor definition of flow paths and weakness zones may lead to serious hazards during construction. This study, integrating geophysical and geological investigations, is undertaken to enhance the understanding of both surface and subsurface complexities of an engineering site characterization located in western Saudi Arabia near Red Sea. Two geophysical investigations, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Transient Electromagnetic (TEM), were carried out to characterize the subsurface of the study area. A total of three ERT profiles and sixteen TEM sounding measurements was conducted in the study area. Geological investigation was mainly focused to understanding geological features and bedrock conditions of the two opposite river's abutments at the study site. Geophysical results show NNE-SSW and NNW-SSE fault zones which were confirmed by in-situ geological inspections and by satellite images. The results also reveal the presence of geothermal fluids validated by the observation of hot water flowing in the river along the measurements. This study demonstrates that the integrated geophysical and geological investigations provide means to infer geothermal fluids, locate fractures, and fault zones. This study enabled us to characterize and locate the geological structural framework as well as possible geothermal fluids existence in the study area.