Report Railways R00

Geophysical Investigations- Railway Bridge, Chhindwara
Report
Geophysical Survey by Seismic Refraction Tomography, Electrical

Resistivity Imaging & MASW for Subsidence Investigation
Presented by:
PARSAN Overseas (P) Limited

(An ISO 9001-2015 Company)
707-Eros Apartments
56-Nehru Place
New Delhi 110 019 (INDIA)
www.parsan.biz; info@parsan.biz
PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 1

May 2022
INTRODUCTION:
The issue of subsidence has been observed during two rainy seasons at a
railway bridge near Nagpur. The bridge is on the foot of a small hill and a
seasonal stream. The bridge was constructed in 2013-14. During Sep 2020,
there was a heavy rainfall and retaining wall had started tilting which created a
crack on the upstream side. A lateral movement was also noticed. This was
urgently treated by grouting in suspected areas.
The problem was observed again in 2021 and similar approach of grouting was
adopted.
The Railway authorities decided to undertake remedial measures to avoid

recurrence of the issue. Before deciding upon the remedial measures, it was
decided to undertake geophysical investigations to assess the subsurface
conditions.
PARSAN was awarded the work of geophysical investigations using integrated

approach of geophysics to determine subsurface conditions in the study area.
Present report covers the findings of the investigations carried out at site in the
month of May 2022.
SCOPE OF WORK
1. Conducting Geophysical Survey viz. Seismic Refraction tomography,
Electrical Resistivity Imaging and MASW.
2. Demarcation of different lithology encountered along survey lines.
3. Covering whole length & width at the Area of Interest (AOI).
4. Determining loose/weak zones by integrating results of different

geophysical investigations.
5. Correlation with existing borehole investigation results if available (to be

provided by the client).

May 2022
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS
The details of the various methods used for the investigations are as under:
Seismic Refraction Tomography
Basic Principle:
Seismic refraction consists of recording the length of time taken for an artificially
provoked surface vibration to propagate through the earth. By processing the
data recorded at various sensors absolute velocities, velocity contrasts and the
depths of the underlying layers are determined. These results give information
about the nature and thickness of overburden (alluvium deposits), surface of
bedrock, the depth of weathering zones in the rock mass, location of geological
boundaries and identifies faults or weak zones, scale and width, etc.
The seismic velocities are characteristics of the nature and quality of the
bedrock; reduced seismic velocities will characterize a fissured, fractured or
sheared rock.
Features:
 Precise determination of soil thickness.

 Precise determination of seismic velocities.
 Precise determination of water table in overburden.
 Localization and identification of geological units.
 Detailed analysis of soil.
 Great accessibility to rough terrain and remote regions.
Applications:
 Bedrock profile, rock quality and depth.

 Thickness of overburden
 Fractures and weak zones
 Topography of ground water
 Rippability assessment in mines
 Slope stability studies
Advantages:
 Rapid ground coverage.

 Only option in rough remote terrains.
 Provides continuous profile of subsurface, critical for engineering projects.

May 2022
 Estimation of Dynamic Elastic Moduli like Poisson’s Ration, Young’s

Modulus, Shear Modulus.
Limitations:
 Velocity increase with depth a pre-requisite

 Hidden layer & Blind Zone anomalies
Equipment & Accessories
1. Seismograph : Signal enhancement type fully digital 24 channel

Seismograph,
2. Geophones/ : Moving-coil type digital grade vertical &

Hydrophones Horizontal geophones, natural frequency 10
Hertz.
3. Cable : Geophone spread cables, 10m spacing
Energy Source:
For the seismic refraction survey work, various types of sources can be used
depending on site conditions and depth of penetration required. Various possible
sources are sledge hammer, weight drop, buffalo gun, dynamite etc.
Sledge hammer is used for most the projects requiring penetration depth upto 30
meters in normal soil conditions. Sledge-hammer is struck vertically on an iron
plate to generate P-wave. On longer lines or for deeper penetration explosives
can also be used.
Geophone and Geophone Spread:
Low frequency (10Hz) spike geophones are used to record seismic signals.
Depending on the length available for seismic lines, the depth to rock and other
parameters, suitable geophone spacing is decided. 24 channels are used for
recording. The seismic spread consists of number of shots with a minimum of
two end shots, two mid shots and one center shot. If space is available, 2 far
shots are also taken. Care is taken to ensure that the pointed ends (spikes) of
the geophones are fully embedded in the topsoil.
Application Area:
SRT can be done over land as well as across river and water bodies. Survey
over river or water bodies requires additional arrangements for explosives, tying
ropes across river and provision of boats.

May 2022
Velocity Model Development
Traditionally results of seismic refraction were presented as layered earth model,

which was only a close approximation of subsurface conditions. Due to increased
compaction with increasing depth, there is a gradual increase in velocity within a
layer also. Velocity gradient models are becoming increasingly popular,
eliminating many limitations encountered in traditional layered models.
Example Velocity Model
Example for SRT over water

May 2022
Electrical Resistivity Imaging/Tomography

2D Resistivity Imaging uses an array of electrodes (typically 64) connected by
multicore cable to provide a linear depth profile, or pseudosection, of the
variation in resistivity both along the survey line and with depth. Switching of the
current and potential electrode pairs is done automatically using a laptop
computer and relay box. The computer initially keeps the spacing between the
electrodes fixed and moves the pairs along the line until the last electrode is
reached. The spacing is then increased and the process repeated in order to
provide an increased depth of investigation.
Basic Principle:
Measurement of ground
resistivity involves passing an
electrical current into the ground
using a pair of steel or copper
electrodes and measuring the
resulting potential difference
within the subsurface using a
second pair of electrodes. These
are normally placed between the
current electrodes.
Unlike conventional resistivity sounding and lateral profiling surveys, 2D

resistivity imaging is a fully automated technique that uses a linear array of up to
64 electrodes connected by multicore cable. The current and potential electrode
pairs are switched automatically using a laptop computer and control module
connected to a ground resistivity meter (that provides the output current). In this
way a profile of resistivity against depth ('pseudosection') is built up along the
survey line. Data is collected by automatically profiling along the line at different
electrode separations. The computer initially keeps the spacing between the
electrodes fixed and moves the pairs along the line until the last electrode is
reached. The spacing is then increased by the minimum electrode separation
(the physical distance between electrodes which remains fixed throughout the
survey) and the process repeated in order to provide an increased depth of
investigation.
The maximum depth of investigation is determined by the spacing between the

electrodes and the number of electrodes in the array. For a 64 electrode array
with an electrode spacing of 5m this depth is approximately 60m. However, as
the spacing between the active electrodes is increased, fewer and fewer points
are collected at each 'depth level', until on the final level only 1 reading is
acquired (see figure). In order to overcome this the array is 'rolled-along' the line
of investigation in order to build up a longer pseudosection.

May 2022
The raw data is initially converted to apparent resistivity values using a geometric
factor that is determined by the type of electrode configuration used. Many 2D
resistivity imaging surveys are carried out using the Wenner Array. In this
configuration the spacing between each electrode is identical. Once converted
the data is modeled using finite element and least squares inversion methods in
order to calculate a true resistivity versus depth pseudo-section.
Applications:
 Determine the underground water resources

 Bedrock quality and depth measurements
 Mineral prospecting
 Dam structure analysis
 Landfill
 Contamination source detection
Advantages:
 Excellent 2-dimensional display of ground resistivity.

 Delineation of small features like cavity, contamination plumes, weak
zones in structures like dams etc.
Equipment & Accessories
1. Resistivity Meter : 120/60 electrode system with automatic switcher
2. Electrodes/ : 120/60 depending upon resistivity meter
3. Cable : Resistivity cables with take outs at 5/10m
4. Batteries : 12V rechargeable batteries (4 in No.)
Electrode Spread:
Electrode spacing is determined upon depth of investigation and site conditions

which can vary from 1m to 10m.
Application Area:
ERT can be done over land as well as across river and water bodies. Survey
over river or water bodies requires additional arrangements for tying ropes
across river and provision of boats.

May 2022
Example for ERT Results
Example for ERT Results Over Water

May 2022
Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW)

First introduced in GEOPHYSICS (1999), the multichannel analysis of surface
waves (MASW) method is one of the seismic survey methods evaluating the
elastic condition (stiffness) of the ground. MASW first measures seismic surface
waves generated from various types of seismic sources—such as sledge
hammer—analyses the propagation velocities of those surface waves, and then
finally deduces shear-wave velocity (Vs) variations below the surveyed area that
is most responsible for the analyzed propagation velocity pattern of surface
waves. Shear-wave velocity (Vs) is one of the elastic constants and closely
related to Young’s modulus. Under most circumstances, Vs is a direct indicator
of the ground strength. After a relatively simple procedure, final Vs information is
provided in 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D formats.
Fig.1- Field setup and results of MASW
Seismic methods are suitable to study the strength characteristics of dyke and
dams. Seismic measurements are sensitive to density changes and
compactness of soils. Therefore, areas with inadequate compactness of dykes
can be detected. A correlation with SPT/CPT (Standard/Cone Penetration
Testing) is often done because these methods also depend on the mechanical
properties of the soil. The example below shows the result of a MASW
(Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves) measurement along a dyke in
comparison to two CPT readings. The MASW procedure measures the shear

May 2022
wave velocity of the dyke material which enables the direct access to the material
shear strength.
Field Data Acquisition Procedure:
Field procedure for active MASW survey is explained here. The active survey is
the most common type of MASW survey that can produce a 2-D Vs profile. The
overall setup is illustrated in Figure hereunder.
The maximum depth of investigation (Zmax) that can be achieved from the
survey is usually in the 10-30 m range, but this can vary with site and type of
active sources used. Surface waves are best generated over a ‘flat’ ground within
at least one receiver-spread length (D).

May 2022
If this is the case, then overall topographic variation within an entire survey line
should not be critical. However, any surface relief whose dimension is greater
than, say, 10% of D will cause a significant hindrance to surface wave
generation.
The following table describes most of parameters related to data acquisition. A

slight variation in any parameter can always be expected.

May 2022
Example Results for MASW

May 2022
FIELD WORK & SURVEY QUANTITY

Field work was conducted in the month of May 2022 and survey as under was
completed:
ERI Survey: 7 profiles

SRT Survey: 6 profiles
MASW Survey: 5 Profiles
Following personnel were deployed for field work:
1. Ms. Priya Mohini- Geophysicist

2. Mr. Akshay Kumar- Geophysicist
3. Mr. Vineet Kumar- Geophysical Technician
4. Mr. Raghvendra- Geophysical Technician
5. Mr. Ajeet- Geophysical Technician
6. Mr Rahul- Survey Engineer
Dr. Sanjay Rana, MD, PARSAN also visited the site to supervise the field work.
The equipment deployed for the field work are as under:
1. ERT set up (Mangusta 60 electrode resistivity imaging system)

2. SRT set up (Ambrogeo Seismograph with 24 geophones of 10 Hz)
3. MASW set up (Ambrogeo Seismograph with 24 geophones of 4.5 Hz)
4. Total Station
5. Miscellaneous items like cables and batteries
Data processing & report writing was completed by the following:
1. Mr. Ajay Mishra- Chief Geophysicist

2. Mr. Chendhoor Bhaskaran- Geophysicist
3. Mr. Vinod Singh- CAD Engineer

May 2022
Layout Map

May 2022
RESULTS & DISCUSSIONS

Upstream Line (On natural ground, higher elevation)
These profiles were conducted away from the track (please refer to layout map for ERT line-2 upstream, MASW line-1
upstream and SRT line-6 upstream). Following are the results obtained with discussions:
The ERI profiles conducted at this location shows a zone of low resistivity (marked with red circle) in center of the profile,
which is in alignment with the culvert location. The low resistivities observed indicate presence of a buried channel at this
location. Low resistivity zones are also present towards right of the ERI profile, and will be correlated further with profiles
in downstream.

May 2022
The SRT profiles conducted at this location shows general stratification with high velocities below EL 590m, which might
correspond to the rock interface.

May 2022
MASW profile, linked to stiffness of ground, also show lower velocities in the first half of the profile.

May 2022
Upstream Line (Parallel to Railway Track)
These profiles were conducted on the upstream side, parallel to the track (please refer to layout map for ERT line-1
upstream, MASW line-2 upstream and SRT line-5 upstream). Following are the results obtained with discussions:
The ERI profile conducted at this location shows a high resistivity zone in central part (linked to presence of empty space
for the channel). A low resistivity anomaly, however, envelops under this, which is linked to high moisture/ water content
present in this area.

May 2022
correspond to the rock interface.

May 2022
MASW profile, linked to stiffness of ground, also show lower velocities in the second half of the profile.

May 2022
Downstream Line (Parallel to Railway Track)
These profiles were conducted on the downstream side, parallel to the track (please refer to layout map for ERT line-1
downstream, MASW line-3 downstream and SRT line-1 and SRT line 1A downstream). Following are the results
obtained with discussions:
The ERI profile conducted at this location shows a high resistivity zone in central part (linked to presence of empty space
for the channel). A low resistivity anomaly, however, envelops under this, which is linked to high moisture/ water content
present in this area.

May 2022
The SRT profiles conducted at northern side of culvert (SRT Line-1 downstream in layout map) at this location shows
general stratification with high velocities below EL 570m, which might correspond to the rock interface.

May 2022
The SRT profiles conducted at Southern side of culvert (SRT Line-1A downstream in layout map) at this location shows
lower velocities compared to other profiles and doesn’t show bedrock interface.

May 2022
MASW profile, linked to stiffness of ground, shows lower velocities in the second half of the profile.

May 2022
Downstream Line (On lower ground)
These profiles were conducted on the downstream side, on lower ground (please refer to layout map for ERT line-2
downstream, MASW line-4 downstream and SRT line-2 downstream). Following are the results obtained with
discussions:
location. Low resistivity zones are also present towards left and right of the ERI profile showing higher level of water/
moisture content.

May 2022
correspond to the rock interface. In central part of profile velocity observed are a bit lower with a slight depression.

May 2022
MASW profile, linked to stiffness of ground, shows lower velocities in the first half of the profile.

May 2022
downstream, and SRT line-3 downstream). Following are the results obtained with discussions:
location. Low resistivity zones are also present towards left and right of the ERI profile showing higher level of water/
moisture content.

May 2022

May 2022
downstream, MASW Line-5 downstream, and SRT line-4 downstream). Following are the results obtained with
discussions:
location. Low resistivity zones are also present towards right of the ERI profile showing higher level of water/ moisture
content.

May 2022

May 2022
MASW profile, linked to stiffness of ground, shows lower velocities in the first half of the profile.

May 2022
Downstream Line (On very low ground)
These profiles were conducted on the downstream side, on very low ground (please refer to layout map for ERT line-5
downstream). Following are the results obtained with discussions:
The ERI profiles conducted at this location, far away from the affected zone, shows a zone of low resistivity in central
part of the profile. The low resistivities observed indicate presence of a buried channel at this location.

May 2022
Mapping of Anomalous Zones
The figure above (separate AutoCAD drawings provided) indicates presence of

water channel which has zones of low resistivity.

May 2022
CONCLUSION
Excellent data obtained along all the ERI, MASW and SRT profiles. Results
provide a detailed insight into the geology of the area based on resistivity values
and P & S wave velocities. All the profiles were conducted keeping the culvert
location in center of the profiles.
Correlation of ERI profiles in particular, from far upstream location to far

downstream location, confirm presence of a buried channel, which might be
responsible for migration of soil during rains, leading to subsidence at the
location. Low resistivities around the channel, also indicate presence of higher
water content in the nearby zones, further contributing to deteriorated soil
properties in the region.
Post treatment of anomalous zones, limited geophysical investigation to confirm

efficacy of remedial measures can be conducted at department’s discretion.

May 2022
Field Work Photographs
Resistivity Meter ERI Data Acquisition
ERI Lines Layout

Resistivity
Cables

May 2022
Geophone
MASW Profile Layout
Geophone
SRT Profile Layout

May 2022
SRT Profile Layout
Seismograph
SRT Data Acquisition

May 2022

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Geophysical Investigations- Railway Bridge, Chhindwara

Geophysical Survey by Seismic Refraction Tomography, Electrical

PARSAN Overseas (P) Limited

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 1

The Railway authorities decided to undertake remedial measures to avoid

PARSAN was awarded the work of geophysical investigations using integrated

2. Demarcation of different lithology encountered along survey lines.

3. Covering whole length & width at the Area of Interest (AOI).

4. Determining loose/weak zones by integrating results of different

5. Correlation with existing borehole investigation results if available (to be

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 2

Seismic Refraction Tomography

 Precise determination of soil thickness.

 Bedrock profile, rock quality and depth.

 Rapid ground coverage.

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 3

 Estimation of Dynamic Elastic Moduli like Poisson’s Ration, Young’s

 Velocity increase with depth a pre-requisite

Equipment & Accessories

1. Seismograph : Signal enhancement type fully digital 24 channel

2. Geophones/ : Moving-coil type digital grade vertical &

3. Cable : Geophone spread cables, 10m spacing

Geophone and Geophone Spread:

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 4

Velocity Model Development

Traditionally results of seismic refraction were presented as layered earth model,

Example Velocity Model

Example for SRT over water

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 5

Electrical Resistivity Imaging/Tomography

Unlike conventional resistivity sounding and lateral profiling surveys, 2D

The maximum depth of investigation is determined by the spacing between the

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 6

 Determine the underground water resources

 Excellent 2-dimensional display of ground resistivity.

Equipment & Accessories

1. Resistivity Meter : 120/60 electrode system with automatic switcher

2. Electrodes/ : 120/60 depending upon resistivity meter

3. Cable : Resistivity cables with take outs at 5/10m

4. Batteries : 12V rechargeable batteries (4 in No.)

Electrode spacing is determined upon depth of investigation and site conditions

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 7

Example for ERT Results

Example for ERT Results Over Water

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 8

Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW)

Fig.1- Field setup and results of MASW

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 9

Field Data Acquisition Procedure:

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 10

The following table describes most of parameters related to data acquisition. A

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 11

Example Results for MASW

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 12

FIELD WORK & SURVEY QUANTITY

ERI Survey: 7 profiles

Following personnel were deployed for field work:

1. Ms. Priya Mohini- Geophysicist

The equipment deployed for the field work are as under:

1. ERT set up (Mangusta 60 electrode resistivity imaging system)

Data processing & report writing was completed by the following:

1. Mr. Ajay Mishra- Chief Geophysicist

PARSAN Overseas (Pvt) Limited WO NO. DCE/Con/G/Qtn./CG Survey/466 dated 06.05.2022 13