Geophysical Tomography in Engineering Geological Applications: A Mini-Review with Examples

Abstract

An overview of the geophysical tomography interpretation method is presented. Two approaches are reviewed, (1) deterministic tomography inversion, developed for rock elasticity investigations, and (2) probability tomography imaging, developed in the domain of potential field methods. The theoretical basis of both approaches is initially outlined, then selected laboratory and field applications in different areas of engineering geology are presented and discussed. In particular, an ultrasonic laboratory experiment for the determination of the mechanical features of a block of marble and a crosshole seismic field experiment for quality assurance of a concrete placement are shown at first as examples of deterministic tomography inversion. Then, a geoelectrical field experiment aimed at detecting pollution leaks from a waste disposal and a self-potential field experiment for water flow modeling in a landslide are presented as examples of probability tomography imaging.

Development of a New Empirical Relation to Assess P-wave Velocity Anisotropy of Rocks

“…These methods are performed to obtain direct information of rock quality and other physical -dynamic and geodynamic parameters. Experimental study on physical and mechanical characteristics of rocks and relationship between these parameters improve understanding of geophysical and petrophysical data (Patella and Patella 2009). Seismic velocity is closely related to rock properties, which are coupled with lithological and physical parameters in a complex manner (Kern 1990;Song and Suh 2014).…”