Geophysical Characterization of Bridge Foundation Sites in Karst Terrain

Field data was collected on several bridge foundation sites in Pennsylvania, in close proximity to geotechnical boring locations. Profiles determined from these field measurements were plotted against drilling data and notable similarities were discovered. In addition, foundation construction data was collected at each of the sites and compared with refraction test results determined prior to construction. In particular, top of rock revealed by an excavation, and pile tip elevations at driving refusal, were compared with predictions made using refraction test results. From these data it appears that seismic wave tomograms can accurately characterize the soil/rock interface, and that it is possible to predict expected design pile lengths based upon a measured P-wave velocity tomogram. It can be concluded from these site comparisons that geophysical techniques such as seismic refraction tomography can provide significant additional information to site characterization for bridge foundations in karst terrain. However, these techniques should not be viewed as a replacement, but should be conducted during design stage site investigation to aid selection of borehole locations and other testing needs.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Hiltunen, Dennis R
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 85th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2006-1-22 to 2006-1-26
• Date: 2006

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: CD-ROM
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 20p
• Monograph Title: TRB 85th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers CD-ROM

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge design; Bridge foundations; Elastic waves; Foundation soils; Geophysics; Karst; Refraction; Tomography
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways; I42: Soil Mechanics;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01023632
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 06-2273
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: May 1 2006 7:42AM