Subsoil zoning of Mexico City using qualitative relationships between soil strength and electrical resistivity

Summary The seismic events occurring on 19 and 20 September 1985, whose epicentre was located in the coastal region of Michoacan, Mexico, produced tremendous damage in Mexico City. As a result of these losses the civil authorities of the city decided to study and evaluate the mechanical characteristics of the subsoil. To achieve this, it was necessary to drill several boreholes to obtain needed geophysical and geotechnical information. The geophysical method of electrical resistivity was the most appropriate to the research. This method enabled us to understand the structure and soil characteristics of the Mexican Valley.     

Delineation of groundwater resources using electrical resistivity tomography

Chandrabhaga basin of the Nagpur district is a part of the drought prone Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India. This region is facing acute shortage of water for drinking and irrigation purposes. The basin is located at the eastern fringe of the Deccan traps consisting of volcanic rocks. Presently, dug wells penetrating composite layers of the weathered mantle and highly fractured rocks overlying stratified basaltic lava flows are the main source of water supply. However, water available in the dug wells is inadequate to meet the ever increasing demand for water causing considerable economic losses to the farming community. In this work, we present the results of an electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey carried out in the basin for the delineation of groundwater potential zones. Validity of the hydrogeological setup obtained from the ERT results has been confirmed by bore well drillings at two investigated sites. The study demonstrates the efficacy of the ERT technique in delineation of groundwater potential zones in the hydrogeologically complex basaltic terrain of the Deccan traps.     

基于电阻率的非饱和土基质吸力预测

针对非饱和土吸力测量与计算的困难,提出了一种利用土的电阻率结构参数预测基质吸力的方法。通过滤纸法测试重塑膨胀土的基质吸力,分析了非饱和土的基质吸力与体积含水率的关系,即土-水特征曲线的变化规律。在测试非饱和土横向与竖向电阻率的基础上,探讨了非饱和土的电阻率与其体积含水率的关系,并进一步研究了土的电阻率结构性参数 、 和 随体积含水率的变化规律。发现基质吸力与电阻率结构参数 之间存在良好的抛物线关系,利用这种关系可以准确预测非饱和土的基质吸力。利用土的电阻率结构参数预测吸力,避免了吸力量测与计算的困难,简单实用。     

污水浸泡对水泥土强度和电阻率特性影响的试验研究

为了揭示污水对水泥土的影响规律,并尝试采用电阻率法作为描述强度和污染特征的手段,把粉质黏土和两种水泥（普通硅酸盐水泥、矿渣硅酸盐水泥）制作的水泥土试块分别浸泡在3种液体（自来水、生活污水、造纸厂污水）中模拟环境侵蚀。首先对比分析了污水对土体液塑限的影响,其次研究了龄期、水泥类型、污水类型等对水泥土抗压强度和电阻率的影响,考察了电阻率和抗压强度的关系。结果表明：污染后土样的液限、塑限均增大,塑性指数减小;水泥土抗压强度和电阻率均随龄期增加而增长;污水均降低了水泥土的抗压强度和电阻率,但是矿渣硅酸盐水泥土的抗压强度和电阻率均高于普通硅酸盐水泥土,说明在污水环境中,矿渣水泥对水泥土有一定的抗劣化能力;在不同的龄期、水泥类型、污水类型下,水泥土电阻率均与抗压强度呈现出一致的变化规律,二者线性相关。     

Modeling of electrical resistivity and maximum dry density in soil compaction measurement

This paper presents the mathematical relationship of electrical resistivity and dry density in compacted soil through electrical signal for geotechnical investigations. Monitoring of the compacted soil through electrical conductivity plays an important role in the construction of highway embankments, earth dams and many other engineering structures. Conventionally, soil compaction is measured through the estimation of maximum dry density at optimum moisture contents in laboratory tests. This conventional testing method is very tedious and costly especially when a lot of samples are involved. In this work, a mathematical model is developed to estimate the soil compaction on-site through electrical resistivity corresponding to the percentage of moisture contents in the compacted soil. The practical usage of the derived mathematical model is demonstrated using several soil samples for various types of soil.     

基于电阻率法的膨胀土膨胀性评价研究

目前膨胀土的膨胀率一般只能通过室内试验获取,无法通过简单快速的测试得到。结合课题组前期的相关膨胀土电学特性试验研究发现,膨胀土吸水膨胀会改变土体内部结构,而土体内部结构的变化会引起电阻率的改变。通过对取自合肥的膨胀土进行电阻率、膨胀率等相关性能的试验,分析电阻率指标,并对膨胀土的吸水膨胀特性进行预测评价。研究发现,膨胀率随着初始电阻率的增大而增大,且随着上覆荷载的增大而减小;竖向电阻率与实时膨胀率基本呈直线增加关系,直至土体电阻率达到孔隙液电阻率为止。根据膨胀土基本电学试验和膨胀土吸水膨胀及相应横纵向电阻率实时测试试验研究发现,膨胀土的膨胀性能与电阻率结构参数吻合很好,因此,可以通过电阻率相关指标对膨胀土的膨胀特性进行预测。由于相应膨胀率为无量纲指标,故通过黏性土电阻率结构参数去除孔隙率影响,建立了无量纲综合电阻率指标Er与膨胀率之间的关系,以供后期膨胀土的膨胀率预测。     

Estimation of hydraulic characteristics from electrical resistivity data in coastal aquifers of southern India

The applicability of geophysical techniques has been examined for evaluating aquifer properties like transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity of coastal aquifers, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. The pumping test data of 10 wells are interpreted by using forward modelling to obtain the aquifer characteristics in the study area. The available vertical electrical soundings (VES) data in the vicinity of the sites of pumping test have been interpreted; and true resistivity and thickness are determined at each site in the study area. Empirical relationships are established for estimating the hydraulic parameters from the electrical data.     

水泥固化锌污染土电阻率与强度特性研究

以标准砂及普通硅酸盐水泥为试验材料,制作水泥固化锌污染土样,进行了一系列电阻率和无侧限抗压强度试验。研究了交流电频率对水泥固化锌污染土电阻率的影响、不同含量锌离子对水泥缓凝作用的影响、锌离子含量和龄期分别对水泥土电阻率和强度的影响、电阻率与无侧限抗压强度的关系。结果表明：电阻率随电流频率的增加而明显降低,尤其当频率低于50 kHz时为甚;不同含量的锌离子对水泥土的缓凝作用影响明显,随着锌离子含量的增大,水泥土强度的充分发挥所需时间逐渐增长,但在锌离子含量为500 mg/kg时,缓凝作用表现异常;电阻率和强度均随龄期的增加而增长,随锌离子的含量的增加上下波动,电阻率在锌离子含量为50 mg/kg和500 mg/kg时出现极值,强度在锌离子含量为100 mg/kg和500 mg/kg时出现极值;在各个龄期下,电阻率与强度均呈现出很好的线性关系。     

Tracing subsurface oil pollution leakage using 2D electrical resistivity tomography

This study provides an evaluation of the subsurface oil contaminant flow in an oil production field at the Wadi Feiran fan, along the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. The 2D electrical resistivity tomography technique has been applied along four profiles surrounding the spill location of oil dump site. Theoretical soil resistivity response versus fluid resistivity for different cation exchange capacity values has been studied. Then, a physical model for the current situation of flowing the oil over the groundwater (sea invaded water) of saturated fluvial sediments has been introduced. It was supposed that the crude oil has higher resistivity values and turned to be conductive far away from the oil spill source under the effect of microbial biodegradation. Such conditions of contaminated distribution and its resistivity values have been considered during the inversion and interpretation of the acquired data sets. The processed 2D resistivity profiles reveal that oil plumes are accumulated in the seawater invasion direction, whereas it has low signatures along the profiles parallel to the shore line.     

Simple and multiple regression models for relationship between electrical resistivity and various soil properties for soil characterization

Precise determination of engineering properties of soil is essential for proper design and successful construction of any structure. The conventional methods for determination of engineering properties are invasive, costly and time-consuming. Electrical resistivity survey is an attractive tool for delineate subsurface properties without soil disturbance. Reliable correlations between electrical resistivity and other soil properties will enable us to characterize the subsurface soil without borehole sampling. This paper presents the correlations of electrical resistivity with various properties of soil. Soil investigations, field electrical resistivity survey and laboratory electrical resistivity measurements were conducted. The results from electrical resistivity tests (field and laboratory) and laboratory tests were analyzed together to understand the interrelation between electrical resistivity and various soil properties. The test results were evaluated using simple and multiple regression analysis. From the data analysis, significant quantitative and qualitative correlations have been obtained between resistivity and moisture content, friction angle and plasticity index. Weaker correlations have been observed for cohesion, unit weight of soil and effective size (D ₁₀).     

电阻率法评价膨胀土改良的物化过程

掺石灰、粉煤灰是工程中通常采用的改良膨胀土的方法。土电阻率是土的基本物理指标之一,其变化可反映土的其他物理性质指标的变化。通过掺灰改良膨胀土不同养护龄期下的电阻率测试以及膨胀量、膨胀力及无侧限抗压强度等试验研究,探讨了掺灰改良膨胀土养护过程中的物理化学反应过程。根据养护过程中的电阻率随龄期的变化规律,可将改良膨胀土的物理化学反应过程划分为瞬时反应阶段、主体反应阶段、残余反应阶段和稳定阶段4个不同阶段。针对改良膨胀土质量控制和评价体系中存在的不足,提出了基于电阻率指标的改性膨胀土的质量评价方法,通过试验证实了该方法的有效性和实用性。     

Soil horizon mapping and textural classification using micro soil electrical resistivity measurements: case study from Ado-Ekiti,southwestern Nigeria

In situ soil micro electrical resistivity measurements were carried out in a pilot plot within the Teaching and Research Farm of Ekiti State University with the aim of establishing relationships between such measurements, soil horizons, and textural classifications. The vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique was adopted for horizon mapping, while the horizontal profiling (HP) technique was used to determine the spatial distribution of in situ soil electrical resistivity of the topmost horizon. Twenty-five VES points were occupied with the Wenner electrode array and electrode spacing that was varied from 2 to 128 cm (0.02 to 1.28 m). The VES data were interpreted by partial curve matching and computer assisted 1-D forward modeling with the IPI2Win software. HP data were also acquired with the Wenner electrode array with a constant electrode separation of 8 cm and station interval of 1 m. Resistivity measurements were taken at 729 stations. The HP data were classified into resistivity-derived soil classes using a standard table. Eighty-one soil samples were collected from the topmost (0–3 cm) horizon and textural classification was derived from the particle size distributions. The resistivity range of values for the identified three layers was 38–590, 328–5222, and 393–900 Ω·m respectively. The average resistivities of the three layers were 263, 2554, and 703 Ω·m, with respective thicknesses of 2.85 cm, 45.52 cm, and infinite. The above resistivity regimes of the three horizons were attributed to responses from the O, A, and B soil horizons. The resistivity values of the O-horizon ranging from 210 to 750 Ω·m were classified as clayey sand while values greater than 750 Ω·m were classified as sand. The soil textural classifications obtained within the horizon were the sandy loam and loamy sand types. The cross-tabulation and spatial pattern comparison of resistivity-derived soil classes and textural classifications showed that whereas there existed some overlapping relationships, the sandy loam textural class had stronger association with the resistivity-derived clayey sand soil type, and the loamy sand textural class had stronger association with the more resistive sand soil type. This study therefore established that in situ soil electrical resistivity can be used for soil horizon mapping and textural classification.     

From spatial-continuous electrical resistivity measurements to the soil hydraulic functioning at the field scale

The aim of this article is to present a strategy to interpret the hydraulic functioning of a small field area by using measurements of the soil electrical resistivity. The spatial soil electrical resistivity was recorded at a high resolution on a 2 ha area by the MultiContinous Electrical Profiling (MuCEP) device at two dates. These apparent electrical resistivity measurements were firstly interpreted in terms of local electrical resistivity by 1D inverse modelling to estimate the real resistivity of the soil. These interpreted electrical resistivity data were then transformed into soil water content values and soil water potential values by the use of independent punctual data of water content and the use of the water retention curve determined by laboratory data. Our analysis has permitted us to describe the spatial variability and temporal evolution of the hydraulic functioning at high resolution from electrical resistivity data. The interpretation of the water content and matric potential maps demonstrated that some soil hydraulic processes, such as lateral overland flow, can occur in the studied zone. They would never have been detected by local measurements of soil characteristics or by the use of the soil map.     

单轴载荷下冻土的导电性及机敏性能试验研究

针对青藏铁路北麓河粉质黏土,利用电阻率－应力－应变试验设备,获取了不同温度单轴压缩条件下的电阻率-应力-应变全过程曲线,探讨了冻土导电性能及其机敏性。试验结果表明,在含水率 、干密度 、加载应变率为1 mm/min试验条件下,初始电阻率 、最大电阻率 、最大切线模量对应的电阻率 随温度降低而同步增大;冻土在压缩过程中具有较强的压敏性,随着压应力增大,电阻率变化可分为电阻率减小区、平衡区和剧增区;冻土单轴最大切线模量与温度之间呈线性关系,最大切线模量对应的应力及应变 、 、峰值应力对应应变 表现出温度敏感性,当 ℃时, 、 、 值最小;当 ℃时, 、 、 值随T降低而增大,冻土随温度降低延性增强脆性减弱;当 ℃时 、 、 值随 降低而增大,冻土随温度降低,脆性增强,延性减弱。     

Deciphering Geothermal resources in Deccan trap region using electrical resistivity tomography technique

Exploration of Geothermal resources is important from energy point of view. Western margin of volcanic Deccan traps, also known as Western Ghats, is characterized with the presence of numerous hot springs. The resistivity contrast for the geothermal reservoir rock and the surrounding host rock is significantly high in volcanic terrain which is the case of present study. In such cases the resistivity associated with geothermal reservoirs usually varies from <5 to 15 Ohm-m regardless of how high resistivity is outside the reservoir zone. Direct current (DC) resitivity method is proved to be more suitable method for delineation of groundwater reservoirs. The present work describes the results of electrical resistivity tomography survey carried out at four hot spring sites located at Unhavare (Khed), Tural, Rajwadi and Aravali villages of Chiplun taluk in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra for delineation of the geothermal reservoirs and associated geological features like faults and fractures responsible for vertical movement of geothermal water with the sole purpose of harnessing geothermal energy. In addition to this, the present study is also aimed to delineate the groundwater reservoirs with normal temperature for exploration purpose to meet the local water supply demand. The interpreted results of the field data suggest the presence of two potential geothermal reservoirs at Unhavare (Khed) and one each at Tural and Aravali. Potential groundwater zones with normal temperature are also delineated for groundwater exploration at Rajwadi and Aravali sites.     

Characterization of shallow karst using electrical resistivity imaging in a limestone mining area

The Guangxi area is famous for its high degree of karstification due to a long period of groundwater erosion and the development of fracture networks. Karst collapse appeared during the mining process and caused many environmental problems. Applying electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) is the most cost-effective method to study the characteristic of the subsurface karst environment. In this area, more than 24 km of ERI profiles around a mining area is carried out to present the development of karst which will be used to evaluate the effects on the ground water and the surrounding environment. The area represents a classical limestone rock which is of high quality and is used for cement production. In this study, the ERI is used to determine the geometry of the karst range at depth. The results are in good agreement with drilling experiments. The ERI survey provided near-surface resistivity information, which is very useful for establishing the geometry and the position of potential karst.     

Detection of seepage paths in earth dams using self-potential and electrical resistivity methods

Earth and rockfill dams are designed to operate under steady state seepage. Anomalous seepage may be a threat to the integrity of the structure. In spite of advances made in the fields of geotechnical engineering, it is not possible to have 100% leak-proof structure. Any excessive and unplanned seepage may lead to the failure of the dam, especially in unconsolidated or fractured terrains. Geophysical methods play an important role in mapping seepage paths and monitoring the changes of the seepage with time, enabling to plan technically and economically worthwhile remedial measures. In the present paper, utilisation of electrical methods for delineation of seepage zones at two of the four Saddle dams of the Som-Kamla-Amba project, Rajasthan State, India; which is founded on heterogeneous rock mass, is discussed. Electrical resistivity method was used to delineate zones favourable for seepage, whereas, self-potential (SP) method was used to delineate the seepage paths. SP measurements have shown negative anomaly of the order of 10–20 mV in amplitude, indicating low seepage, coinciding with the seepage measurements made by the project authorities.     

击实黄土的电阻率特性试验研究

我国西北与华北地区分布有大面积的黄土,在工程建设中常常需要采用击实黄土。探讨了利用土的电阻率方法评价和控制击实黄土工程性质的可行性。通过研制的ESEU―1型土电阻率测试仪对不同方法制备的西安击实黄土样进行电阻率测试,系统地研究了含水率、孔隙液化学成分、饱和度以及温度与电阻率的关系,探讨了击实黄土的电阻率基本特性。试验结果表明：土的电阻率随含水率与饱和度的增加而减小;孔隙液的导电能力越强,土的电阻率越低;土的电阻率随温度的上升而减小,对于试验所用的西安黄土来说,温度对电阻率的影响试验常数 = 0.026℃–1。研究结果表明,土的电阻率与其物理力学性质指标间存在良好的相关关系,可有效用于土的工程性质评价     

苏通大桥地基中深厚软土电阻率试验研究

通过室内电阻率试验和土工试验,对长江下游苏州-南通长江公路大桥地基中深厚软土电阻率特征及其与物理力学参数的相关关系问题进行了研究。发现,（1）在同一钻孔（即CZK30）中,从粉质黏土→粉砂→细砂→中粗砂,土样的电阻率逐渐增大。电阻率随含水率、孔隙比、饱和度的增加而减小,而随垂直渗透系数、水平渗透系数、压缩模量、标贯等的增加而增大。（2）CZK30孔中粉质黏土电阻率随含水率、孔隙比、饱和度、压缩系数、液限系数增加而减小,而随压缩模量、黏聚力等的增加而增大。（3）通过拟合,提供了软土电阻率与物理力学参数相关关系的量化表达式,拟合曲线与试验数据点的相关程度较高,相关系数绝大部分在0.88以上。结果表明,土电阻率与其它物理力学参数间存在密切的联系。     

不同温度下冻土单轴抗压强度与电阻率关系研究

为了研究青藏铁路路基在载荷下的力学行为,探索新型手段快速准确地估计冻土的单轴抗压强度参数,采用北麓河粉质黏土在室内进行了不同温度的冻土单轴压缩试验,并全过程监测土样电阻率的变化,得到了冻土的应力-应变-电阻率全过程曲线。试验结果表明,在干密度 1.71 g/cm3且含水率 17.83 %下,冻土的单轴抗压强度随温度降低而线性增加;初始电阻率 随温度降低逐渐增大,从-20℃对温度的敏感性开始显著增强;冻土单轴抗压强度与初始电阻率之间满足半对数线性关系,相关性很好,因此测定初始电阻率可准确估算冻土的 。从应力-应变-电阻率全过程曲线来看,冻土在单轴载荷作用下经历的压密、弹性变形、塑性屈服、破裂后各阶段对应电阻率变化趋势是快速减小至最小、稳定增加、剧烈增加,这种关联的变化关系也说明用电阻率法来研究冻土强度及载荷下的变形问题是可行的。