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A novel DAS setup based on geometric phases in coherent heterodyne detection is applied for the first time to the characterisation of the Earth’s subsurface. In addition, an optimisation of the proposed setup in terms of its spatial resolution is also presented for the first time. The surface waves are generated by strong blasts of 25 kg of explosives at a dedicated test site. A 10 km dark fiber link in the vicinity of the test site connected to the test setup records the resulting strain signals. The spike-free and low-noise strain data thus obtained minimize post-processing requirements, making the setup a candidate for real-time seismic monitoring. An analysis of the dispersion characteristics of the generated surface waves is performed using a recently reported optimised seismic interferometric technique. Based on the dispersion characteristics, the shear wave velocities of the surface waves as a function of the depth profile of the Earth’s crust are determined using an optimised evolutionary algorithm.
AbstractThe minor and trace element composition of minerals provides critical insights into a variety of geological processes. Multi-element mapping by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is an important technique applied for this purpose and although the method is rapidly advancing, there remains a fundamental compromise between spatial resolution, detection limit, and experiment duration when using sequential mass analyzers. To address the limitation of limited analyte selection for high spatial resolution maps imposed by the sequential nature of typical quadrupole (Q)-ICP-MS, we tested the Aerosol Rapid Introduction System (ARIS) for repeat mapping of the same area. The ARIS is a high-speed transfer tubing system that reduces aerosol washout times, permitting resolution of individual pulses at 40–60 Hz. Here, the ARIS was tested not for pulse resolution but with novel operating conditions optimized to perform fast, high spatial resolution mapping of minor and trace element distribution in pyrite and marcasite. For this purpose, ablation was conducted with a 5 µm beam aperture, a repetition rate of 50 Hz, and a continuous stage scan speed of 40 µm s−1. For each LA-Q-ICP-MS map, data were acquired for six elements with an acquisition time of 20 ms per element. This deliberately reduced the individual pulse resolution of the ARIS but instead exploited the spatial resolution and sensitivity gains afforded by the high-laser repetition rate combined with efficient aerosol transfer. The new method successfully mapped trace elements at single to double-digit parts per million levels, and the maps reveal fine-scale zoning of trace elements with an effective x and y resolution of 5 µm, while white light interferometry showed that for each experiment, only ca. 1 µm of the sample was removed. Repeated mapping of the same area showed excellent correspondence not only between element concentrations in successive experiments but also in the shape, dimension, and location of regions of interest defined by concentration criteria. The very good repeatability of the elemental maps indicates that for studies requiring more analytes, successive mapping of additional elements is possible. By contrast with conventional very small spot (i.e., 5 µm) analysis, fast repetition rate and stage scan speed mapping avoids down-hole fractionation effects and minimizes accidental analysis of buried invisible inclusions. Compared to conventional LA-ICP-MS mapping, the method reduces the experiment time by 4–8 times.
After some river embankment failures during recent floods in Germany, major investigation and improvement programs for river embankments have been implemented. Presently, the investigation mainly relies on existing documentation, visual inspection, and drilling and sampling. Geophysical techniques, which are applied non-destructively from the surface, have the potential to cover the gaps between sampling points and to enhance the reliability of subsurface information. This paper describes the evaluation results for resistivity, electromagnetic, seismic and GPR techniques acquired at a test site along the Mulde River in eastern Germany. The work was carried out under the government funded project DEISTRUKT. Each geophysical method has its own specific advantages and limitations. Keeping the requirements posed by current German guidelines for river embankments in mind, 2–D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is the method of first choice. However, all geophysical results have to be calibrated carefully using information, such as material properties and depth of structures, determined from boreholes. Although some recommendations are provided here, a set of detailed recommendations have been compiled in a handbook.
Improperly built or managed tailing dams pose major risks to human lives and the environment. Research for risk reduction by new technologies including slurry handlings, stochastic modelling, development of a parameter framework as well as work on legislation and authorisation procedures will be done in the EC-funded project TAILSAFE. Focus of this paper is on geophysial techniques for structure investigation and monitoring.
One of the main problems in the assessment of the operability, stability and contamination potential of tailings facilities is the lack of data on subsurface materials, properties and structures. One key task in the use of geophysics is the selection of the proper methods for a given site/problem combination. Interpretation of the acquired and processed physical data (e.g. electrical resistivity distribution) into something useful for site assessment (e.g. contamination distribution) is another. In the TAILSAFE project (funded by the European Commission) we have worked with partners on the use of geophysics for tailings facilities inspection. DC and complex resistivity, ground penetrating radar, and spectral analysis of surface waves and multichannel analysis of surface waves have been used on dams and beaches. In most cases, our methods provided useful information on the subsurface structure, but the translation of geophysical values into geotechnical or other parameters is still challenging.
Modern geophysical methods might be either directly applied to concrete structures or integrated into existing testing schemes to assist in quality assurance and inspections. This paper gives an overview on some ideas and developments from the author’s work:
• Vibrator technologies to improve pile integrity testing.
• Ideas from vertical seismic profiling used in multichannel pile inspection
• Cross- and downhole seismics to check the diameter of jet grouting columns
• Improving the parallel seismic methods for precise length measurement of piles and foundation walls
• Seismic migration methods to improve ultrasonic imaging of foundation slabs
• Seismological tools to monitor subtle changes in concrete constructions
The authors strongly believe that the cooperation between geophysics and civil engineering, which is obviously becoming stronger and stronger, will lead to a large number of innovative approaches.
Geophysical methods have been used in civil engineering for decades. The main field of application is - to no surprise – in geotechnical projects from site characterization to foundation quality assurance. For more than 25 years, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and seismic methods have found applications in structural engineering. Recently introduced geophysical methods have been adopted to ultrasonic investigations in various fields. They help to improve the quality of structural imaging and to detect small changes in concrete. An overview of the history and current use of geophysics in civil engineering is given. Selected examples of new concepts include advances in wave based imaging, quality assurance for foundations, detecting small changes in concrete as well as moisture and corrosion detection are discussed.