Mapping Soft Soil Zones and Top-of-Bedrock beneath High-Traffic Areas in Honolulu Using 2D ReMi

Abstract

Two-dimensional seismic refraction microtremor data were acquired, processed and interpreted for the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Projectwest of Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. The objective was to image the lateral and vertical extent of soft-soil conditions and determine the depth-to-bedrock. Approximately 4.28-line km (2.66 miles) of two-dimensional (2D) refraction microtremor (ReMi) data was acquired along 12 lines. Data were acquired along the Farrington and the Kamehameha Highways. Line locations were selected to obtain additional subsurface information between and below geotechnical borings. Results indicate that thick softsoil conditions exist; and, that the basalt bedrock has considerable relief. The bedrock can be encountered as shallow as 1.5 m (5 ft), to as deep as 70 m (230 ft) in this area beneath the existing highways. An innovative application of 2D seismic testing successfully mapped the lateral and vertical variability of the soft-soils beneath areas with very high traffic volume, without interrupting vehicle flow.

Refraction microtremor (ReMi™)–based investigation of the accumulation of Quaternary sediments on the northern edge of Isparta, Turkey

“…Comparisons with borehole log data and other techniques developed for the same purpose show that the ReMi™ technique yields reliable results. The technique has been used in several studies to obtain the V s structure of the soil (Louie 2001;Scott et al 2004;Thelen et al 2005;Richwalski et al 2007;Anderson et al 2007;Chávez-García et al 2007;Pancha et al 2008;Sirles and Batchko 2010;Pancha et al 2017). In addition, the technique has been used to depict the bedrock topography.…”

“…In addition, the technique has been used to depict the bedrock topography. Sirles and Batchko (2010) depicted the soft soil and the bedrock topography beneath areas with very high traffic volume, without interrupting the vehicles by using 2D shear wave velocity section. In addition, May and Brackman (2014) used the ReMi™ technique to obtain the geophysical characterization of karstic region.…”