Application of Electrical Resistivity Imaging

Technique in Slope Stability Study in UTP, Perak.

Prepared by: Muhammad Nur Adib bin Yahaya
Supervisor: Mr Muhammad Noor Amin bin Zakariah
Petroleum Geoscience Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS

INTRODUCTION METHODOLOGY
The study area of this project is located within the vicinity of University Technology
PETRONAS (UTP) which is situated at Seri Iskandar, Perak. Ipoh, the capital city of Perak is
situated approximately 34 km from Seri Iskandar and about 220 km from Malaysia’s capital
city, Kuala Lumpur. There are two areas of interest which are located at Block 17 and Block 14
near the pocket C building of UTP.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

The slope of the hills in University Technology PETRONAS (UTP) are very poor and Survey
unsatisfactory in condition. In addition, the stability of the slope is especially threatened after Pre-Fieldwork Processing
Acquisition
recent landslide which had occurred at the hill slope of the study area. The slope is currently and
Phase and Sample
held and barricaded by a rock structure which supports the soil currently in place. Interpretation
Collection
Investigating water content in the subsurface is best used with electrical resistivity imaging
method, most geologic materials holding water have lower electrical resistivities than their
adjacent dry counterparts[1].

OBJECTIVE

1. To investigate the stability of the slope and the condition of the slope
2. To model the subsurface of the slope
3. To analyze the hydraulic conductivity (permeability) of the soil sample
.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Potential Area of
Slope Failing LINE 1-1

Compacted
Unconsolidated Sediment

LINE 1-2

INTERPRETATION
Compacted
Unconsolidated Sediment
• 4 Ω -100 Ω.
Potential Area of Slope Failing • Made up of a very loose material
• Example : clay or sandstone.
• Water-saturated.
LINE 2-1
• 200 Ω - 3000 ohm.
• Due to weathering effect on the bedrock
• Fractured granite or sandstone, gravel and
conglomerate.
Potential Area of
Potential Area of Slope Failing Slope Failing
• 3000 Ω - 10000 Ω.
Bedrock LINE 2-2 • Hard layer of rock or a compacted area of sediment at
the area and depth.

CONCLUSION REFERENCES
In conclusion, this project revolves mainly on geophysical survey which is
resistivity survey followed by the study about the grain size analysis using the [1] G. V Keller and F. C Frischknecht, Electrical methods in geophysical prospecting,1966
soil sample on the study area. This project survey will be conducted using
ABEM Terrameter and the processing will use RES2DINV software whereas the
soil sample will be taken using hand drill, auger, and a sieve analysis will be ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
performed. The calculation will be made using the information obtain from the
sieving. The result of this project is expected to generate a subsurface model of The success of this project is owed to Mr. Muhammad Noor Amin bin Zakariah for his
the slope as well as the information regarding the water in the soil. The unvarying provision and guidance. The author also expressed his appreciation to technicians
resistivity survey on line 1 and 3 at block 17 and 14 show that the subsurface at for their professional recommendations and sharing of knowledge at any phase of this
the highest point of the slope is filled by water. This will cause the slope loses it project completion.
balance when the slope unable to contain more water.