In this article, we suggest a new type of seismic source for surveying both structure state and foundation soil conditions regardless of the level of seismic noise. In our opinion, powerful industrial equipment can be treated as seismic sources. We describe the results of a survey conducted on the Song Tranh-2 hydropower dam located in Central Vietnam. After a М = 4.7 earthquake, the dam visual inspection revealed zones of the excessive durability loss: cracks and areas with an elevated infiltration of water into the dam galleries. Powerful industrial equipment generates continuous quasi-harmonic mechanical oscillations (seismic waves) that travel through layers of rocks. These seismic oscillations are recorded by receivers in different measurement points such as the dam body, abutments, and the foundation soils. Anomalous amplitudes of these oscillations indicate the presence of weakened zones in the structure or in foundation soil. We coupled passive and active seismic methods to more precisely find such zones. In this case, active seismic methods allowed us to investigate dam abutment zones, and passive seismic methods were used to localize weakened zones in the dam-foundation soil system. We assumed that the joint contribution of two factors was the cause of the dam weakening. One of them was caused by increased water infiltration through the rock mass and its contact zones, and the other was reservoir-induced seismicity contributing to the deterioration of the foundation soils, which was possibly the reason for a shift in the dam in the contact zone with the rock mass foundation. It is necessary to perform computer modelling, which was not included in our research. The developed method can be used for the safety control of the hydropower station dams.

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The article presents results of monitoring state of railway subgrade using seismic methods in the Far North area. Purpose: The purpose of the studies is to find out reasons of subgrade subsidence in turfed soils of Onezhsky District of Arkhangelsk Oblast. Methodology: Studying soils in foundations of subgrade, a complex of active and passive methods was used, including: seismic exploration of refracted waves, multi-channel analysis of ground waves, and engineering seismic analysis based upon spectrum analysis of seismic noises. This complex enabled considering and estimating the system “subgrade-soils of foundations”. Results: A relative high capacity of weak soils, probably containing turf, lying under subgrade. Sections of increased water saturation in subgrade soils were found out. Loads from passing trains and resonant effect in weak soils cause its compression resulting in emergence of subsidence. Resonant effects whereby are not that strong, whereas passing trains have a more significant impact on the state of subgrades. Practical significance: Elaboration of technology of quick estimation of state of railway subgrade for immediate detection of a dangerous defect at an early stage of its development is a topical and acute challenge.

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