The comparative analysis of the seismic test results performed using the cross-hole and down-hole methods in terms of test reliability and efficiency

¹ Institute of Construction and Geoengineering, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland
² KGHM Polska Miedź („Polish Copper”) SA, Division Hydrotechnical Department, Poland

^* Corresponding author: s.gogolik@wp.pl

Abstract

Seismic tests are becoming more and more meaningful in modern geoengineering since they allow precise assessment of changes in the analyzed profile of soil deformation parameters at very small strain. The engineering practice generally uses two methods for such kinds of tests: reference cross-hole test and commercial down-hole method. The costs of implementation of this kind of research and the reliability of the results obtained along with any additional benefits from the type of the selected testing technique are not without significance. Seismic measurements for which comparative analysis was performed were carried out in a strongly anisotropic materials base of a tailings. The results of tests conducted with a standard cross-hole method were compared with those conducted using the down-hole method, in which the seismic piezocone (SCPTU) and seismic dilatometer (SDMT) were used. Test results have shown that in terms of assessment of their credibility, there were no fundamental differences in the quality of the recorded signals. It has been pointed out, however, that there are many advantages to penetration in situ tests, which complement identification of subsoil structure with many crucial elements that cannot be achieved using the cross-hole method.