Near-surface geophysical surveys for bedrock investigation and modeling for grain silos site, Yanbu City, Western Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The present work highlights results of near-surface geophysical surveys for construction grain silos site at marine Yanbu port in Yanbu province, western Saudia Arabia. Three techniques represented by seismic refraction tomography, electrical resistivity tomography, and time domain electromagnetic, were conducted to investigate the bedrock and overlying sediments. The geophysical surveys highlight the vertical and lateral distribution of the ground velocity and resistivity parameters. The comparison and integration of geophysical inversion and interpretation with borehole data were successfully used in mapping the depth of the bedrock and defining stratigraphic type and thickness of the overlying sediments. According to the investigated depth reached by geophysical investigation, the prospected sediments reveal three sediment layers that composed the prospected soil. The study terrain seems to be suitable for the construction of grain silos. On the other hand, seawater introduced at shallow depths should be a troublesome element in geotechnical construction; hence the requirement for additional safety measures to improve the watertightness of the soil.