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Things You'll Need
Instructions
Obtain surface soil samples. Soil samples are classified as disturbed or undisturbed. Disturbed soil samples refer to soil that has been changed and does not reflect the conditions in which the soil is present. An undisturbed sample represents the soil that will indicate accurate readings for shear wave velocity. A simple shovel can gather surface soil samples. Shovel a mound of dirt into a bucket and bring it to the laboratory for analysis.
Use a a standard penetration test (SPT) to determine the properties of the subsurface soil. This test can be performed using boring tools. Push the soil with a hydraulic boring tool at a predetermined constant rate and get the data that will reflect the vibration of the underlying soil. Other tools can also be used, including a seismic piezocone penetrometer, which is equipped with geophones to find shear waves.
Analyze the data from the subsurface soil collection. Convert the findings to determine the time between intervals of the vibrations. This conversion is done by reading the measurements on the boring tool. Information from the movement of the subsurface soil during the boring will be one determinant of the shear wave velocity. The analysis of subsurface soil vibration is especially useful while building in earthquake-prone zones.
Use a surface plunger to collect a sample of subsurface soil. Drive the plunger into the soil at a vertical angle to a depth of several meters. Vibration waves are generated. Use a geophone, which will convert these waves into pressure readings. This determines how a structure will settle and hold to the soil under pressure.
Perform analysis of the entire geotechnical investigation of surface and subsurface soil. This is the crucial step in finding shear wave velocity because it takes into consideration all the data collected in the field. Use the Rayleigh-wave method, which is a spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) gathered by the boring tools and the geophone previously used. This will determine the overall suitability of the soil for building.