Final Geophysical Report

Geophysical Investigations for the Foundation study of Zita Bridge……………….…………..…………..
May, 2020
Geophysical Investigations
for
the Foundation study of Zita Bridge
Civil Works Consulting Engineers
April, 2020
ADDIS ABABA
Geomatrix PLC, Telephone: 251-1-620600, Fax: 251-1-620590, E-mail: geomatrixplc@gmail.com ,Web site :
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Geophysical Investigations for the Foundation study of Zita Bridge……………….…………..…………..May, 2020
ABSTRACT
Refraction Seismic and Vertical Electrical Sounding Surveys were carried out to investigate the
foundation condition of Zita bridge to be erected across Zita river situated in south Gondar zone
about 25km from Tach Gayint town.
The study area is characterized by very thick alluvial deposits; the nature of which had obstructed
the smooth operation of drilling activities, especially in the central part of the riverbed. Therefore,
among other objectives, the main objective of the geophysical investigation was mapping of the
interface between alluvial deposits and the bedrock.
To this end, a contract was signed between Civil Works Consulting Engineers (Contractor) and
Geomatrix plc. (Consultant). The latter has been conducting the geophysical investigations using
state-of-the art geophysical instruments with standard measurement procedures.
These techniques were applied under difficult measurement conditions, however, due to special
procedures and data controls, high quality data could be obtained. After the necessary data
analysis procedures, 2D p-wave tomographic images and geo-electric section were produced.
Subsequent, Interpretation of the results has clearly demarcated the interface between the alluvial
deposits and the bedrock (basalt,) in addition to providing detail information on the nature and
characteristics of the subsurface units.
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Table of Contents
ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................................................... i
1.0 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 General Background............................................................................................................................ 1
1.2 Objectives of investigation.................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Location of the study area .................................................................................................................. 2
2.0 FIELD WORK ......................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Methods, Survey Layout & Volume of Work ...................................................................................... 4
2.2 Geophysical Equipment ...................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.1 Refraction Seismic ........................................................................................................................ 4
2.2.2 Electrical resistivity unit ............................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Method of execution .......................................................................................................................... 6
2.3.1 Refraction Seismic ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.3.2 Electrical resistivity Sounding ...................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Problems and Data Quality ................................................................................................................. 8
3.0 DATA PROCESSING AND PRESENTATION..................................................................................... 8
3.1 Refraction Seismic ............................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 VES ...................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS ............................................................................................................ 9
4.1 General ................................................................................................................................................ 9
4.2 Refraction Seismic ............................................................................................................................. 10
4.3 VES................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.............................................................................. 15
5.1 Conclusions ....................................................................................................................................... 15
5.1.1 Lithologic conditions .................................................................................................................. 15
5.1.2 Groundwater conditions ............................................................................................................ 16
5.1.3 Structures ................................................................................................................................... 16
5.1.4 Qualiative Classification of Subsurface units ............................................................................. 16
5.2 Recommendation.............................................................................................................................. 19
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ......................................................................................................................... 20
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REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................. 21
APPENDICES ............................................................................................................................................ 22
App. A Time-Distance Curves .................................................................................................................. 23
App. B: Delta Tv inverted Model ............................................................................................................. 24
App. C: VES Model Curves....................................................................................................................... 25
App. D: Borehole Logs ............................................................................................................................. 26
List of Figures
FIGURE 1: GENERAL LOCATION..............................................................................................................................................3

FIGURE 2: SMARTSEIS OF GEOMETRIX OF USA.........................................................................................................................5
FIGURE 3: SUPERSTING OF AGI ............................................................................................................................................6
FIGURE 4 : GEOMETRY OF REFRACTION SEISMIC.......................................................................................................................7
FIGURE 5: COMBINED 2D P-WAVE VELOCITY TOMOGRAPHY AND BOREHOLE LOGS, ZITA RIVER BRIDGE, SOUTH GONDAR ...................11
FIGURE 6: GEO-ELECTRIC SECTION, ZITA RIVER BRIDGE, SOUTH GONDAR , ................................................................................14
List of Tables
TABLE 1: UTM COORDINATES OF VES POINTS (DATUM ADINDAN, ZONE 37N)..............................................................................4

TABLE 2: PARAMETERS OF REFRACTION SEISMIC USED DURING FIELDWORK ....................................................................................7
TABLE 3: CLASSIFICATION OF THE VARIOUS SUBSURFACE UNITS ON THE BASIS OF THEIR COMPRESSIONAL VELOCITY ...............................18
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General Background
Civil works Consulting Engineers plc has requested Geophysical investigations for
the foundation study of the Zita bridge to be erected across Zita river, some 25km
to the southeast of Tach Gayint town, in south Gondar zone. The bridge has over
300m span.
The study area is characterized by very thick alluvial deposits; the nature of which
had obstructed the smooth operation of drilling activities, especially in the central
part of the riverbed. Therefore, Seismic and electrical resistivity survey (VES)
methods were proposed mainly to determine the interface between the alluvial
deposits and the bedrock and also study the nature of the subsurface units.
The geophysical investigation have been performed according to the applicable

Standards and codes, to internationally recognized best practice and as
requested to achieve the objectives of the project.
Geomatrix plc. has been conducting the geophysical investigations accepting the
contract offer by Civil works Consulting Engineers (CWCE).
The study line along the bridge is located in Amhara region, South Gandar zone,
between UTM (Adindan)geographic coordinates of 464263mE, 1280083mN and
464567mE,1280135mN. The site is about 800km to the north east of Addis Ababa
(Fig. 1).
The ground surface is characterized by gently to steeply sloping ground at the

flanks and flat, broad ground in the central part. The area is characterized by thick
alluvial sediments and underlain with basalt.
Furthermore, understanding the field conditions and specific objectives of the

project, Geomatrix plc had deployed a group led by a senior engineering
geophysicist to the area with state of the art Geophysical instruments to carry out the
fieldwork as planned. The field data was collected and analyzed to standard.
This report includes information on the executed volume of work, geophysical

methods used, methods of execution, problems encountered, data quality,
processing and analysis of results. It embodies the main results of the geophysical
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investigations in view of the objectives to solve and provides conclusions and

recommendations arrived at during the present geophysical survey.
1.2 Objectives of investigation
The geophysical survey is mainly aimed at mapping the interface between the alluvial
deposits and the bedrock and also investigating the subsurface bridge foundation
conditions. The specific objectives of the study include:
 Define lithology and main geological features of the subsurface rocks;
 Characterize the quality of rocks on the basis of p-wave velocities of the
underlying rocks of the study areas;
 Mapping depth to and nature of the bedrock;
 Define nature and thickness of overburden material;
 Identify ground water conditions in the area;
 Detect geological structures (fault and shear zones, contacts, etc.).
1.3 Location of the study area
The geophysical Line is located along proposed Zita bridge which is located in
Amhara region, South Gandar zone, between UTM (Adindan)geographic
coordinates of 464263mE, 1280083mN and 464567mE,1280135mN. The site is
about 800km to the north east of Addis Ababa (Fig. 1). It is reached through
gravel road crossing Enzite, Dyaqa and Aneseta villages.
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Figure 1: General Location
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Addis Ababa, Page 3
2.0 FIELD WORK

2.1 Methods, Survey Layout & Volume of Work
As indicated in the previous section two geophysical methods comprising

Refraction Seismic and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) were successfully
executed in the project area, despite the ground contact problems.
Accordingly, a total of three spreads of refraction seismic and Seven VES

observations are successfully executed, along the proposed Zita bridge,
centering the axis of the road. The Seismic refraction line is over 310m long and
extends between stations marked by UTM geographic coordinate system of
464263mE,1280083mN and 464567mE, 1280135mN (Adindan, zone 37). In
addition, Seven VES observations are made along the line nearby Borole sites.
The coordinates of the boreholes is indicated in the table below.
Table 1: UTM Coordinates of VES points (Datum Adindan, zone 37N)
VES Easting Northing (m) Remark

Points (m)
1 464263 1280083 All the lines were spread
2 464527 1280134 in the North south
3 464496 1280125 direction while VES-7 is
4 464454 1280117 spread perpendicular to
5 464398 1280106 VES-4 for anisotropic
6 464323 1280086 correction purpose
7 464454 1280117
2.2 Geophysical Equipment

2.2.1 Refraction Seismic
The seismic refraction survey was carried out by using SmartSeis of Geometrix of
USA, which is a 24-channel seismograph, microprocessor based with latest
hardware and software and interfaced with plotter (Fig. 2). For the wave signals
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reception geophones with natural frequency of 10Hz, with a damping resistor

installed, and sensitivity and receptivity capabilities to standard were applied. In
addition, a 7kg sledge hammer was used as energy source.
Figure 2: SmartSeis of Geometrix of USA
2.2.2 Electrical resistivity unit
The VES observations were carried out using the modern state of the art
Advanced Geophysical Instruments (AGI), SuperSting R1/IP electrical resistivity unit,
USA (Fig. 3). Supersting is a portable IP/RES unit which is widely applied for
Resistivity and Induced polarization surveys. It can Measure apparent resistivity,
Self potential (SP) & Induced polarization (IP). Its measurement range is ± 10V
with a resolution of Max 30nV. The unit has an output current and power of
1mA-2A and 200W respectively.
Figure 3: SuperSting of AGI
2.3 Method of execution

2.3.1 Refraction Seismic
The refraction seismic data acquisition procedures and parameters used along
the entire line were the same. A high resolution seismic data acquisition
processing technique with 7shots/spread was applied to obtain information up
to 40m with high quality data. These include: Direct, three Central, Reverse,
Direct and Reverse offset shots. All shot points were made every 25m interval.
Moreover, two subsequent spreads were overlapped using 4-geophones; that is
an in-line-profiling survey technique was employed (Fig. 4). The field parameters
used then are indicated in table 2.
Figure 4 : Geometry of Refraction Seismic
Table 2: Parameters of refraction seismic used during fieldwork
Description Type/magnitude
Energy source Sledge Hammer
Geophone distance 5m
Length of spread 115m

Shot position -22.5, 2.5, 27,5, 52.5, 77.5, 102.5, 127.5…
Recording Time 128ms – 512ms
Sampling 0.125
Filtering Open
Amplification Auto trace (mostly)
2.3.2 Electrical resistivity Sounding
The Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) survey was carried out using
Schlumberger array with a maximum current electrode spacing of AB/2=220m,
which enables a minimum depth of investigation of 70m. The VES observation
points were determined in the field on the basis of ground conditions and
project objectives. Data quality has been controlled by plotting and analyzing
the VES data in the field with higher accuracy(below 0.5%).
2.4 Problems and Data Quality
The topographic surveying (pegging and labeling works were made using GPS
(Garmin 72H) for the layout of the geophysical line and elevation readings. The
main problem during the execution of the fieldwork was encountered in
grounding geophones inside the riverbed and gravel covered surface. This
problem was overcome by assigning laborers at the very difficult positions and
also vertically fixing the geophones using the materials in the field.
Moreover, establishing ground contact with the electrodes was also among the
major problems noted which was, somehow, managed despite, the longer time
spent in the field.
Furthermore, it is important to mention here that a good effort was made in the
field to minimize curvature error and ambient noisy conditions. Therefore, the
geophysical data was collected to standard and the data quality was high.
Measurement error for all methods was found to be below 2%.
3.0 DATA PROCESSING AND PRESENTATION

3.1 Refraction Seismic
The field data is processed in the conventional manner, by manual work (using T-0
method) and with computer aided software. In the course of the present study,
the partially processed, corrected and checked data have been used to
produce Wet-tomographic sections through refined delta t-v inversion, which
were in turn latter refined by the wet - tomographic inversion method (Gerard T.
Schuster ,1993).
The mean unsigned error by the latter inversion method was generally found to
be below 2.0 milliseconds. The corresponding refraction seismic time–distance
curve (first breaks and their corresponding fits (difference between measured
(instantaneous) and inverted (CMP layer) are shown in App. A.
The final processed models are produced using the standard RAYFRACT software
using the Delta tv and Wet inversion models and interpreted in view of the
objectives of the project (Fig. 5 ).
3.2 VES
The observed apparent resistivity at each VES point was plotted against half
current electrode separation (AB/2) on a double logarithmic paper of modules
62.5mm. The raw data were initially smoothed to remove noisy signals. The VES
curves were then processed manually using partial curve matching techniques
where two layer master and Auxiliary curves (Orellana, 1972) were employed.
The layer parameters obtained this way are used as an input to produce final
interpretation models (App. C), using standard forward and inversion computer
program “Resist” (Velpen, 1988), to get more refined layer parameters. These
were systematically corrected to minimize anisotropic problems. The final
models were then used to produce the geoelectric section in Fig. 6.
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 General
Two geophysical investigation methods, Seismic refraction and electrical

resistivity survey (VES), were carried out for Zita bridge mainly with the objective
of determining the interface between the alluvial deposits and the bedrock and
also study the nature of the subsurface units.
The geophysical methods were initially proposed to complement drilling

activities which had been deterred by the nature of the thick alluvial deposits
(mainly gravel) in the central part of the area.
The Refraction seismic survey makes use of p-wave velocities to demarcate the
interface between the sediments and the bedrock while the electrical resistiviies
is used to study the resistivity distribution of the subsurface and jointly identify the
nature and characteristics of the subsurface units.
The Vertical Electrical Sounding penetrates deep but is relatively less accurate
than the refraction seismic method. The depth of investigation by the later
method is shallower but is more accurate. Since the maximum depth of the
alluvium is not known the combination of the two methods is expected to
complement the required information to meet the survey objectives.
As will be demonstrated in the following section, the two methods in combination

with the available borehole data have furnished information regarding the
foundation conditions of the bridge.
4.2 Refraction Seismic
The Refraction survey was conducted along the axis of the bridge connecting
BH-1 and BH-8, at stations 0+287 and 0+547 respectively. The line stretches
between a point about 10m to the SSW of BH-1 to a point about 10m to the NNE
of BH-8, marked by UTM geographic coordinates of 464263mE, 1280083mN and
464567mE,1280135mN respectively. Its elevations vary between 1447m a.s.l and
1463m a.s.l (Adindan).
According to the p-wave velocity tomography in Fig. 5, the top subsurface is

mainly covered by p-wave velocities generally below 1500m/sec attributed to
stiff clayey gravel with sand at the beginning of the line, around BH-1and to
very dense silty clay sand with gravel in the rest of the area (borehole logs BH- 2
to BH-8, App. D). The density of this top unit increases with depth and attains
higher p-wave velocities (2000m/sec). The thickness of the upper part of the top
unit is in the range of 2-5m(Fig. 5).
The bottom of the top unit reflects higher velocities up to a maximum of

2500m/sec, at the abutments, and 3000m/sec in the broad, central part of the
area /riverbed, which is associated to the medium dense to very dense silty
clayey sand with gravel and weak to medium strong, highly weathered and
fractured to decomposed basalt saturated with groundwater. The thickness of
the alluvial sediments overlying the bedrock undulates generally between 5m
and 20m. The maximum thickness of sediments (20m) is expected around
stations 115 and 200, in the central part of the area. The average sediments
thickness between stations 90 and 250 is about 17m (Fig. 5).
01 RMS error 0.8%=0.40ms 20 WET iters. 50Hz Width 3.5% initial DELTATV.GRD Version 3.34
(464263E, 1280083N) (464567E,1280135N)
1470 0 + 288
5600
BH-1
0 + 547
1460 5100
Absolute Elevation (meter)
BH-8
BH-2 BH-3 BH-5 BH-6 BH-7
BH-4 4600
1450
4100
1440 3600
3100
1430
2600
1420
2100
1410 1600
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Key Stations [m] P-wave velocity
(m/sec)
00 P-wave isolines (m/sec) BH-3
25 Borehole # 3
Probable Fracture lines
Figure 5: Combined 2D P-wave velocity Tomography and Borehole Logs, Zita River Bridge, South Gondar
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The intermediate unit is entirely related to the basaltic bedrock. As indicated

above, the interface between the bedrock and alluvial sediments is clearly, very
agreeably, with the available boreholes, coincides with the 2500m/sec
velocities, at the elevated parts/abutments and 3000m/sec in the central, part
of the area/river bed.
The quality of rock increases with depth from moderately weathered/fractured

to slightly weathered/fractured and fresh to very fresh and massive rock.
Accordingly, the weathered/fractured to slightly weathered/fractured medium

strong and occasionally very jointed basalt is represented by 2500-3500m/sec at
the elevated parts, abutments with elevations between 4 and 8m,while in the
central riverbed part this units are characterized by p-wave velocities in the
range of 3000-3500m/sec having thicknesses varying between 2m and 8.5m.
The minimum thicknesses are noted around station 280 while the maximum
thickness is noted around station 25 and station 200 respectively.
The bottom unit is generally represented by p-wave velocities higher than

3500m/sec. The depth to this unit is shallower (16m) at the relatively elevated
parts and deeper( 29m ) in the central part of the area around station 200. The
upper part of this bottom unit is represented by p-wave velocities in the range of
3500-4500m/sec and above 4500m/sec attributed probably to slightly fractured
to fresh basalt and fresh to very fresh, strong and massive basalt respectively.
Moreover, probable fracture zones are indicated in the central part of the line
around stations 100 and 205(Fig. 5).
In addition, from groundwater point of view, the riverbed with p-wave velocities
between 1500 and 3000m/sec is interpreted a groundwater saturated zone. The
aquifer comprises both alluvial deposits and fractured and weathered basalt
(Fig. 5).
4.3 VES
Subsurface resistivity distribution is function of several factors, which include

mineralogic composition, degree of fracturing and weathering, moisture
content, salinity, degree of compaction, intergranular porosity etc.
Consequently, resistivities have very wide range of values and differentiation of
subsurface units, on the basis of geo-technique characteristics, may not be
determined accurately, while often unique solutions are obtained from seismic
survey if a high quality data is obtained and these are analyzed by an
experienced expert. Nevertheless, in rock/soil characterization and in the
study of nature of subsurface units they are helpful if used jointly. With regards
to mapping interface boundaries, sometimes, satisfactory results can also be
obtained, depending on the terrain and measurement conditions.
According to Fig. 6, the subsurface is mainly represented by higher but widely

varying resistivities (generally between 96-360ohm-m), attributed to alluvial
deposits. The resistivity variation is mainly related with the proportion of gravel,
sand, silt and clay, and the way these are connected. The thickness of these
sediments generally ranges from 17-24m. Very thin patches with resistivities
between 18-53ohm-m are also identified associated with clay dominated
alluvium with thicknesses generally below 2m and 5m.
The very high resistivities at relatively intermediate depths around BH-1 and BH-8
are related with the bedrock which is expected to be dry. The relatively lower
resistivities (26-43ohm-m)at depths below 17m may be attributed to the
fractured and weathered water bearing bedrock.
The actual boundary demarcated by the 26-86 Ohm-m in the central zone with
depth between 16-25m and the top of the very high resistivity (712-759ohm-m)
zone at the extreme ends of the line, with depths between 3-5m could be
considered as the interface between alluvial sediments and the bedrock. The
maximum depth to the bedrock is mapped around station 200 which agrees
well with the seismic and borehole results.
Moreover, the VES survey has indicated presence of very fresh rocks at depths
over 60m, reflected by very high resistivities (above 240 ohm-m) in the central
part of the area.
Figure 6: Geo-electric Section, Zita river Bridge, South Gondar ,
5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions
Geophysical methods comprising 2D-Refraction seismic and VES surveys have been
carried out for Zita bridge to be erected across Zita river whichis about 25km to the
southeast of Tach Gayint town in south Gondar zone. The investigations were
mainly aimed at determining the interface between the alluvial deposits and
the bedrock and also study the nature of the subsurface units.
By and large, the geophysical investigations in conjunction with the available

borehole logs have furnished the following conclusions.
5.1.1 Lithologic conditions
Top units
 Upper part: Stiff clayey gravel with sand represented by p-wave
velocities below 1500m/sec and resistivities in the range of 18-53
ohm-m. Its thickness is varies from 2m to5m;
 Lower part: Silty clayey sand with gravel and highly weathered and
fractured basalt depicted by 1500-2500m/sec (at the abutments)
and 2000-3000m/sec (in the riverbed). These are represented by
widely varying resistivities (96-360 ohm-m). The thickness of these
units is within 5-20m. The average sediments thickness between
stations 90 and 250 is about 17m.
Intermediate units
 Moderately to slightly weathered/fractured and occasionally very

jointed basalt represented by p-wave velocities in the range of
2500-3500m/sec, at the elevated parts, and 3000-3500m/sec in the
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riverbed with thicknesses in the range of 4- 8m and 2-8.5m

respectively. These are represented by resistivities in the range of
26-86ohm-m. The minimum and maximum thicknesses are identified
around station 280 and station 200 respectively.
Bottom units
 Slightly fractured to fresh basalt represented by p-wave velocities in

the range of 3500-4500m/sec and fresh to very fresh basalt
depicted by velocities above 4500m/sec. The depth to this unit is
shallower (16m) at the relatively elevated parts and deeper( 29m )
in the central part of the area around station 200.
5.1.2 Groundwater conditions
 The aquifer in the study area comprises of alluvial deposits and fractured
and weathered basalt mainly in the riverbed. The units with p-wave
velocities between 1500m/sec and 3000m/sec are interpreted as
groundwater saturated.
5.1.3 Structures
Two most probable fracture zones are indicated in the central part of the
line around stations 100 and 205.
5.1.4 Qualiative Classification of Subsurface units
 The interface identified by the geophysical surveys between the basaltic

bedrock and alluvial sediments, is clearly, very agreeably, coincides with
the borehole logs; It is mainly demarcated by the 2500m/sec velocities at
the abutments and 3000m/sec in the central, part of the area/river bed.
 The quality of the subsurface rocks generally increases with depth from highly
to moderately weathered/fractured to slightly weathered/fractured and to
fresh and very fresh basalt respectively;
 Accordingly the subsurface units are classified as soft, soft to moderately soft,
moderately hard, hard, very hard and extremely very hard, etc (table 7). The
very hard rock units in the central part of the study area are generally deep
(around 220m). The hard rock slopes towards the center mainly in the
northeastern extreme.
A summarized classification of the subsurface units in terms of their compressional

velocity is given in table 3.
Table 3: classification of the various subsurface units on the basis of their compressional Velocity
Subsurface Layering P-wave Velocity
units
Sequence (m/sec) Included Lithologic units Nature
Top unit Uppermost <1500 Stiff clayey gravel with sand Soft formation
Lower part 1500-2000 Loose Silty clayey sand with gravel and highly weathered
and fractured basalt (abutments)
Silty clayey sand with gravel and highly weathered and
2000-3000 “
fractured basalt (central area, riverbed)
Intermediate Elevated part 2500-3500 Highly to moderately and slightly weathered/fractured, Soft to
unit occasionally very jointed basalt moderately soft
(abutments)
Moderately to slightly fractured and weathered Basalt

Central area 3000-3500 Medium to hard
(relatively denser)
(riverbed)
Bottom unit Upper part of 3500 - 4500 Slightly fractured to fresh basalt Hard formation
bedrock
Lower part of Above 4500 Fresh to very fresh, strong & massive (very dense) Very hard
bedrock
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5.2 Recommendation
On the basis of our site investigations and subsequent results we would strongly
like to recommend the following specific measures:
 The probable fractures within the bedrock must be closely assessed and
due care be taken;
 The road has to be re-designed considering the actual foundation
conditions of the subsurface; it has to be founded on a stable and fresh
bedrock represented by 3000m/sec p-wave velocities and above for
the road is a trunk road.
 Furthermore, seismicity of the area is very important to understand the
effect of regional Faults on the bridge to be erected.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Geomatrix plc acknowledges CWCE for its interest and offer of the contract. We
would especially appreciate Eng. Kassahun Zergaw for the follow up of the work
and cooperation’s made. We would also like to extend our gratitude to Ato
Habtamu Gedefaw, Geologist in CWCE, for his valuable cooperation during the
execution of the fieldwork.
REFERENCES
1. British Standard 8004 (1986). Code of Practice for Foundations, British Standards
Institution, London.
2. Code of practice for Site investigations, BS 5930: 1981, British Standard Institution
3. RAYFRACT software Ver. 3.34, May 2017, Intellegent Resources INC., Vancouver,
Canada
4. Orellana, 1972, Master & Auxiliary curves used for Manual Interpretations
5. Bhattacharya, P.K. and Patra, H.P., 1968. Direct current Geoelectric soundings,
Elsevier, The Netherlands.
6. Velpen, P.A.V., 1988. RESIST: A computer processing package for DC resistivity
interpretation for the IBM PC and compatibles, unpublished M.Sc. thesis, ITC, Delft,
The Netherlands.
APPENDICES
App. A Time-Distance Curves
App. B: Delta Tv inverted Model

01 initial DELTATV.TXT Version 3.34
(464263E, 1280083N) (464567E,1280135N)
5400
1470
BH-1 4900
Absolute Elevation (meter)
1460
4400
BH-2 BH-8
BH-3 BH-5 BH-7
1450
3900
1440 3400
2900
1430
2400
1420
1900
1410 1400
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Stations [m] P-wave velocity
Key
(m/sec)
0 0 P-wave isolines (m/sec)
25
App. C: VES Model Curves
App. D: Borehole Logs
BH-1 Log
BH-2 Log
BH-3 Log
BH-8 Log
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Final Geophysical Report

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Final Geophysical Report

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Geophysical Investigations for the Foundation study of Zita Bridge……………….…………..…………..

Civil Works Consulting Engineers

FIGURE 1: GENERAL LOCATION..............................................................................................................................................3

TABLE 1: UTM COORDINATES OF VES POINTS (DATUM ADINDAN, ZONE 37N)..............................................................................4

The geophysical investigation have been performed according to the applicable

The ground surface is characterized by gently to steeply sloping ground at the

Furthermore, understanding the field conditions and specific objectives of the

This report includes information on the executed volume of work, geophysical

investigations in view of the objectives to solve and provides conclusions and

1.2 Objectives of investigation

1.3 Location of the study area

Figure 1: General Location

2.0 FIELD WORK

As indicated in the previous section two geophysical methods comprising

Accordingly, a total of three spreads of refraction seismic and Seven VES

Table 1: UTM Coordinates of VES points (Datum Adindan, zone 37N)

VES Easting Northing (m) Remark

2.2 Geophysical Equipment

reception geophones with natural frequency of 10Hz, with a damping resistor

Figure 2: SmartSeis of Geometrix of USA

2.2.2 Electrical resistivity unit

Figure 3: SuperSting of AGI

2.3 Method of execution

Figure 4 : Geometry of Refraction Seismic

Table 2: Parameters of refraction seismic used during fieldwork

Energy source Sledge Hammer

Length of spread 115m

2.3.2 Electrical resistivity Sounding

2.4 Problems and Data Quality

3.0 DATA PROCESSING AND PRESENTATION

4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Two geophysical investigation methods, Seismic refraction and electrical

The geophysical methods were initially proposed to complement drilling

As will be demonstrated in the following section, the two methods in combination

4.2 Refraction Seismic

According to the p-wave velocity tomography in Fig. 5, the top subsurface is

The bottom of the top unit reflects higher velocities up to a maximum of

(464263E, 1280083N) (464567E,1280135N)

The intermediate unit is entirely related to the basaltic bedrock. As indicated

The quality of rock increases with depth from moderately weathered/fractured

Accordingly, the weathered/fractured to slightly weathered/fractured medium

The bottom unit is generally represented by p-wave velocities higher than

Subsurface resistivity distribution is function of several factors, which include

According to Fig. 6, the subsurface is mainly represented by higher but widely

Figure 6: Geo-electric Section, Zita river Bridge, South Gondar ,

5.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

By and large, the geophysical investigations in conjunction with the available

5.1.1 Lithologic conditions

 Moderately to slightly weathered/fractured and occasionally very

Geomatrix PLC, Telephone: 251-1-620600, Fax: 251-1-620590, E-mail: geomatrixplc@gmail.com ,Web

riverbed with thicknesses in the range of 4- 8m and 2-8.5m

 Slightly fractured to fresh basalt represented by p-wave velocities in

5.1.2 Groundwater conditions

5.1.4 Qualiative Classification of Subsurface units

 The interface identified by the geophysical surveys between the basaltic

A summarized classification of the subsurface units in terms of their compressional

Moderately to slightly fractured and weathered Basalt

App. A Time-Distance Curves

App. B: Delta Tv inverted Model

(464263E, 1280083N) (464567E,1280135N)

App. C: VES Model Curves

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