Abstract
Seismic refraction survey was conducted at Ibiono Ibom Local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, using 12 channels ES 3000S enhancement seismograph. This was done to evaluate and obtained information on depth and thickness of the shallow subsurface and characterized the bearing and engineering parameters on the bases of soil and rock competencies for stability of engineering works. The travel times of refracted waves measured were used to calculate P and S wave velocities employed in the evaluation of bearing strength and engineering parameters. The results revealed that seismic waves penetrated into three layers. The values of depth and thickness for upper layer ranged from 0.0 m to 4.5 m and 4.5 m, middle layer ranged from 5.0 m to 12.5 m and 7.5, lower layer ranged from 15.0 m to 25.2 m and 10.2 m. The bearing capacity parameters calculated were allowable bearing capacity and ultimate bearing capacity, engineering parameters: Concentration Index, Stress Ratio, Material Index and Density Gradient. The third layer reflected good competent soil and rock quality in the southeastern part of the study area, and was delineated as a better layer for engineering stability.
Highlights
The shallow seismic refraction technique is considered one of the most reliable method for stability of engineering and foundation studies, geotechnical and environmental investigation, groundwater and hydrocarbon (Lankston, 1989; Bridle, 2006; Yilmaz et al, 2006)
The bearing capacities estimated were allowable and ultimate; the allowable bearing capacity is one of the important parameters used in deciding the engineering foundations
The ability of the foundation to carry a load depends on the bearing capacity
Summary
The shallow seismic refraction technique is considered one of the most reliable method for stability of engineering and foundation studies, geotechnical and environmental investigation, groundwater and hydrocarbon (Lankston, 1989; Bridle, 2006; Yilmaz et al, 2006). Shallow seismic refraction has been widely applied to resolve problems within the subsurface layers, from engineering vantage point, shallow seismic refraction has been used to study foundation properties, hydroelectric power plants, nuclear power plants and many other facilities.Information about the shallow subsurface structures is important for assessment of the stability of engineering project. Shallow subsurface problems are as a result of inadequate knowledge of the characteristic and behavior of residual soil and not putting the bearing capacity, elastic and engineering properties of the soil into consideration.
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