ASTM_D_7128_-_18.pdf

Designation:D712818Standard Guide forUsing the Seismic-Reflection Method for ShallowSubsurface Investigation1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7128;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 Purpose and Application:1.1.1 This guide summarizes the technique,equipment,fieldprocedures,data processing,and interpretation methods for theassessment of shallow subsurface conditions using the seismic-reflection method.1.1.2 Seismic reflection measurements as described in thisguide are applicable in mapping shallow subsurface conditionsfor various uses including geologic(1),geotechnical,hydro-geologic(2),and environmental(3).2The seismic-reflectionmethod is used to map,detect,and delineate geologic condi-tions including the bedrock surface,confining layers(aquitards),faults,lithologic stratigraphy,voids,water table,fracture systems,and layer geometry(folds).The primaryapplication of the seismic-reflection method is the mapping oflateral continuity of lithologic units and,in general,detectionof change in acoustic properties in the subsurface.1.1.3 This guide will focus on the seismic-reflection methodas it is applied to the near surface.Near-surface seismicreflection applications are based on the same principles asthose used for deeper seismic reflection surveying,but ac-cepted practices can differ in several respects.Near-surfaceseismic-reflection data are generally high-resolution(dominantfrequency above 80 Hz)and image depths from around 6 m toas much as several hundred meters.Investigations shallowerthan 6 m have occasionally been undertaken,but these shouldbe considered experimental.1.2 Limitations:1.2.1 This guide provides an overview of the shallowseismic-reflection method,but it does not address the details ofseismic theory,field procedures,data processing,or interpre-tation of the data.Numerous references are included for thatpurpose and are considered an essential part of this guide.It isrecommended that the user of the seismic-reflection method befamiliar with the relevant material in this guide,the referencescited in the text,and Guides D420,D653,D2845,D4428/D4428M,Practice D5088,Guides D5608,D5730,D5753,D6235,and D6429.1.2.2 This guide is limited to two-dimensional(2-D)shal-low seismic-reflection measurements made on land.Theseismic-reflection method can be adapted for a wide variety ofspecial uses:on land,within a borehole,on water,and in threedimensions(3-D).However,a discussion of these specializedadaptations of reflection measurements is not included in thisguide.1.2.3 This guide provides information to help understandthe concepts and application of the seismic-reflection methodto a wide range of geotechnical,engineering,and groundwaterproblems.1.2.4 The approaches suggested in this guide for theseismic-reflection method are commonly used,widelyaccepted,and proven;however,other approaches or modifica-tions to the seismic-reflection method that are technicallysound may be equally suited.1.2.5 Technical limitations of the seismic-reflection methodare discussed in 5.4.1.2.6 This guide discusses both compressional(P)and shear(S)wave reflection methods.Where applicable,the distinctionsbetween the two methods will be pointed out in this guide.1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of informationor a series of options and does not recommend a specificcourse of action.This document cannot replace education orexperience and should be used in conjunction with professionaljudgment.Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in allcircumstances.This guide is not intended to represent orreplace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a givenprofessional service must be judged,nor should this documentbe applied without consideration for a projects many uniqueaspects.The word“Standard”in the title of this guide meansonly that the document has been approved through the ASTMconsensus process.1.4 The values stated in SI units are regarded as standard.The values given in parentheses are inch-pound units,whichare provided for information only and are not consideredstandard.1This guide is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rockand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and SubsurfaceCharacterization.Current edition approved July 15,2018.Published August 2018.Originallyapproved in 2005.Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D712805(2010).DOI:10.1520/D7128-18.2The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end ofthis standard.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United StatesThis international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization establishe