Unknown bridge foundations pose a significant safety risk due to stream scour and erosion. Records from older structures may be non-existent, incomplete, or incorrect. Nondestructive and inexpensive geophysical methods have been identified as suitable to investigate unknown bridge foundations. The objective of the present study is to apply advanced 2D electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) in order to identify depth of unknown bridge foundations. A survey procedure is carried out in mixed terrain water and land environments with rough topography. A conventional resistivity survey procedure is used with the electrodes installed on the stream banks. However, some electrodes must be adapted for underwater use. Tests were conducted in one laboratory experimentation and at five field experimentations located at three roadway bridges, a geotechnical test site, and a railway bridge. The first experimentation was at the bridges with the smallest foundations, later working up in size to larger drilled shafts and spread footings. Both known to unknown foundations were investigated. The geotechnical test site is used as an experimental site for 2D and 3D ERI. The data acquisition is carried out along 2D profile with a linear array in the dipole-dipole configuration. The data collections have been carried out using electrodes deployed directly across smaller foundations. Electrodes are deployed in proximity to larger foundations to image them from the side. The 2D ERI can detect the presence of a bridge foundation but is unable to resolve its precise shape and depth. Increasing the spatial extent of the foundation permits better image of its shape and depth. Using electrode < 1 m to detect a slender foundation < 1 m in diameter is not feasible. The 2D ERI method that has been widely used for land surface surveys presently can be adapted effectively in water-covered environments. The method is the most appropriate geophysical method for determination of unknown bridge foundations. Fully 3D ERI method at bridge sites is labor intensive, time consuming, and does not add enough value over 2D ERI to make it worthwhile.

As of September 2007, there were over 67,000 U.S. bridges in the National Bridge Inventory classified as having unknown foundations. The bridges spanning rivers are of critical importance due to the risks of potential scour. In fact, over half of all bridge collapses are due to scour. Not only are these failures costly, they can be deadly for the traveling public. On April 5, 1987, ten people were killed in New York when a pier collapsed on the Schoharie Creek Bridge causing two spans of the deck to fall into the creek. Several other fatal collapses have occurred since the Schoharie Creek Bridge failure. Detecting scour is only part of the assessment that must take place to determine risk of failure and knowing the foundation depth is a critical component of the assessment. While this issue is not new, current techniques are typically invasive or costly. This research explores the feasibility and effectiveness of induced polarization (IP) and electrical resistivity imaging (ERI), near surface geophysical methods, for determining the depth of unknown foundations. In this work, forward models are created to ascertain the effects of the bridge layout on data quality such as varying depths and the impact of adjacent foundations on the foundation in question. Next, an experimental study is conducted at a National Geotechnical Experimentation Site (NGES) to further identify key parameters for the testing design and setup in order to obtain optimal surveys of bridge foundations. The conclusions of the forward modeling and NGES investigations are used to plan the field surveys on four bridges with known foundations. The outcomes of the four bridges show that IP and ERI can be used in concert with one another to estimate the type and depth of bridge foundations. The results of the field surveys are used to create a probability of non-exceedance curve for future predictions of unknown bridge foundations using the methods described in this research.

No description available.

Este trabalho trata do estudo detalhado e com profundidade das metodologias de aquisição, processamento e interpretação de dados de caminhamentos elétricos, sob o enfoque de investigações voltadas a objetivos rasos. Nas técnicas de aquisição 2D (caminhamentos) foram utilizados os arranjos dipolo-dipolo, pólo-dipolo, pólo-pólo e Wenner, permitindo comparações quanto à eficácia dos mesmos. Foi testada uma genuína aquisição 3D utilizando o arranjo pólo-pólo, avaliando-se suas potencialidades e limitações. O Schlumberger foi o arranjo empregado para a execução de SEVs que auxiliaram na interpretação e quantificação das seções geoelétricas 2D, principalmente no que se refere à distribuição vertical das resistividades. Os modelos geoelétricos 2D foram obtidos com um programa de inversão de dados (RES2DINV) que, em tese, é capaz de corrigir as distorções observadas nas pseudo-seções de resistividade elétrica aparente correspondentes aos diversos arranjos utilizados no trabalho. Estes modelos constituem imagens que apresentam uma melhor correspondência com a realidade geológica em subsuperfície, o que facilita a interpretação dos resultados. Procurou-se explorar o máximo as potencialidades do programa de inversão, visando a obtenção de imagens de boa qualidade. A interpretação geofísica foi sempre efetuada com base em informações diretas disponíveis (furos de sondagem, trincheiras, poços e afloramento). Em uma escala de investigação rasa, a resolução passa a ter uma importância fundamental. Procurou-se demonstrar que, quando são utilizados pequenos espaçamentos entre eletrodos (menores que quatro metros), particularmente no caso do dipolo-dipolo, é possível a execução de mais níveis de investigação em profundidade (superiores a oito) ainda com uma boa qualidade do sinal. Por outro lado, os arranjos dipolo-dipolo e pólo-pólo permitem um número muito maior de níveis de investigação sem a limitação das pequenas aberturas, mas com alguma perda em definição. Como conseqüência, tem-se um significativo aumento na quantidade de dados gerados na seção, o que contribui para o incremento da resolução bi-dimensional. Outro aspecto testado e avaliado foi o da utilização de múltiplos espaçamentos entre eletrodos sobre o mesmo perfil de levantamento. Este interessante procedimento garante, além de resolução nas porções rasas (graças aos espaçamentos pequenos), o alcance de maiores profundidades de investigação (devido aos espaçamentos maiores) em uma mesma seção. A eficácia desta prática foi verificada tanto na construção das pseudo-seções, como nos modelos geoelétricos gerados pela inversão dos dados (modelagem). A metodologia foi testada em três distintas áreas tendo por objetivo o mapeamento de um nível d´água raso, a determinação da profundidade e conformação de topo rochoso e o mapeamento de uma provável pluma de contaminação. Além de uma ampla revisão bibliográfica sobre o assunto, foi também abordado neste trabalho o controverso tema da profundidade de investigação que de fato se verifica com os arranjos de eletrodos comumente empregados em eletrorresistividade. Procurou-se, com esta tese, contribuir para um melhor entendimento acerca do tema \"imageamento geoelétrico\" e alguns tópicos a ele relacionados, quais sejam: arranjo de eletrodos, procedimentos para se conseguir um bom volume de dados na seção, utilização eficiente do programa de inversão que gera os modelos e, finalmente, a interpretação dos resultados sempre balizada por informações diretas disponíveis e por outros métodos ou técnicas geofísicas de apoio. / This paper addresses a detailed, in-depth study on data aquisition, processing and interpretation methodologies for 2D electrical profilings, focusing on investigations oriented to shallow targets. Two-dimensional (electrical profilings) acquisition techniques were used on a wide range of arrays - dipole-dipole, pole-dipole, pole-pole and Wenner arrays - for efficiency comparison purposes. A real 3D acquistion was tested with the pole-pole array in order to check its potential use and limitations. Schlumberger was the array used for SEVs, which helped to interpret and quantify 2D geoelectrical sections, especially as to the vertical distribution of resistivity. The 2D geoelectrical models were generated with an inversion computer program (RES2DINV), which basically corrects any distortions found in the apparent resistivity pseudosections corresponding to the arrays included in this study. These models create images that better match the subsurface geological reality, therefore simplifying the interpretation of results. We tried to explore the full potential use of the inversion computer program for good quality images. The geophysical interpretation was always based on the subsurface information available (boreholes, trenches, wells and outcrop). Resolution is critical in a shallow investigation scale. This study tried to show that the use of small spacings between electrodes (less than four meters), particularly in dipole-dipole arrays, allows for more in-depth investigation levels (greater than eight) without compromising signal quality. On the other hand, dipole-dipole and pole-pole arrays allow for a larger number of investigation levels without small spacings limitations, but with a slight loss of definition. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the amount of data generated at the section, enhancing 2D resolution. Another aspect tested and assessed was the use of multiple spacings between electrodes on the same survey profile. In addition to resolution in shallow sections (thanks to small spacings), this interesting procedure allows deeper investigation levels (due to larger spacings) in the same section. The efficacy of this practice was verified both in the development of pseudo-sections and in the geoelectrical models generated by inversion modelling. The methodology was tested in three different areas in order to map a shallow water table, determine the depth and shape of the bedrock, and map a potential contaminant plume. In addition to the broad literature review available, this paper also covered the controversial topic of depth investigation actually present in electrode arrays typically used in electrical resistivity methods. This thesis tried to provide a better understanding of \"geoelectrical resistivity imaging\" and related topics such as: electrode array, procedures required to generate good volumes of data in the section, efficient use of the inversion computer program behind the models and, lastly, interpretation of results, always based on the subsurface information available and on other supporting geophysical methods or techniques.

Over 7.8 km of seismic reflection data and 2 km of electrical resistivity data were acquired, processed, and interpreted during this multi-method geophysical study. Objectives included the definition of geologic conditions underlying a contaminant plume in McCracken County, western Kentucky, and the determination of the potential for structural control on the rate and direction of plume migration. Both geophysical methods indicate the presence of multiple high-angle normal faults outlining a series of asymmetric grabens ranging in width from 160 m to almost 300 m and striking between N40°E and N45°E. There was agreement between the two methods on fault location and degree of near-surface offset, with offsets of 1 to 2 m observed at 10 to 20 m below ground surface and 3 to 8 m observed at 20 to 30 m depth. Bedrock displacement was generally 2 to 3 times larger, with offsets of 10 to 26 m observed. The faults appear to have originated in the Paleozoic with predominantly normal reactivation occurring as recently as the Pleistocene. The fault strikes generally approximate the orientation of the northwestern contaminant plume. Observed offset of the Regional Gravel Aquifer may form a preferential flow path for contaminant migration.

Submitted by BRUNO ZANON ENGELBRECHT null (bruno_zenon2@hotmail.com) on 2017-05-29T15:14:19Z No. of bitstreams: 1 engelbrecht_bz_me_rcla.pdf: 5854576 bytes, checksum: c42f1bd84eff53bf59926b2392253d96 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luiz Galeffi (luizgaleffi@gmail.com) on 2017-05-31T16:34:17Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 engelbrecht_bz_me_rcla.pdf: 5854576 bytes, checksum: c42f1bd84eff53bf59926b2392253d96 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-31T16:34:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 engelbrecht_bz_me_rcla.pdf: 5854576 bytes, checksum: c42f1bd84eff53bf59926b2392253d96 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-04-03 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O sistema aquífero cristalino estende-se por cerca de 62.000 km² no estado de São Paulo, correpondendo a aproximadamente 25% de sua área. A prospecção desses aquíferos, contudo, baseia-se majoritariamente na delimitação de feições lineares nas unidades geológicas e sua correlação com a evolução tectônica regional. Modelos hidrogeológicos conceituais proporcionam a compreensão dos mecanismos que governam a circulação e o armazenamento de água em subsuperfície, permitindo aprimorar e subsidiar a prospecção e gestão dos recursos hídricos subterrâneos. Com este objetivo, o presente estudo apresenta um modelo hidrogeológico conceitual do aquífero cristalino no município de Itu (SP), fundamentado em levantamentos por imageamento elétrico e valores de permeabilidade da zona não-saturada, bem como em análises químicas e isotópicas, tendo como principal enfoque a porção rasa do aquífero e suas interações com as águas superficiais. O modelo embute a ocorrência do manto de alteração e as descontinuidades do maciço rochoso na avaliação do potencial hídrico, prevendo expressiva conectividade hidráulica entre os compartimentos hidráulicos do manto de alteração e do embasamento cristalino fraturado. Os resultados obtidos mostram que a presença de depósitos sedimentares recentes e a ação de processos intempéricos, que resultam em horizontes porosos e na abertura de estruturas preexistentes, favorecem a infiltração, ocorrência e circulação de água em subsuperfície. As características mineralógicas e geométricas do manto de alteração, sua extensão e continuidade regional, redundam em aquíferos heterogêneos e complexos. A constante renovação das águas subterrâneas e sua conectividade com águas superficiais proporcionam a captação das águas de aquíferos cristalinos como fonte hídrica complementar para o abastecimento público, desde que sejam apropriadamente estudadas e geridas. / In São Paulo state the crystalline aquifer system occupies about 62,000 km², corresponding to approximately 25% of its area. However, the prospection of these aquifers is based on the delimitation of linear features in the geological units and their correlation with the regional tectonic evolution. Conceptual hydrogeological models provide an understanding of the mechanisms that govern the circulation and storage of groundwater, allowing to improve and subsidize the exploration and management of groundwater resources. For this purpose, this study presents a conceptual hydrogeological model of the crystalline aquifer in the city of Itu (SP), based on electrical imaging surveys and permeability values of the unsaturated zone, as well as chemical and isotopic analyzes focused on the shallow portion of the aquifer and its interactions with surface water. The hydrogeological model incorporates the occurrence of the weathered zone and the discontinuities of the rock mass in the evaluation of the hydraulic potential, predicting expressive hydraulic connectivity between the hydraulic compartments of the alteration mantle and the fractured crystalline basement. The results show that the presence of recent sedimentary deposits and the processes, which result in porous horizons and the opening of preexisting structures, favor the infiltration, occurrence and circulation of subsurface water. The mineralogical and geometric characteristics of the weathered zone, its extension and regional continuity, results in heterogeneous and complex aquifers. The constant renewal of groundwater and its connectivity with surface water provides the usage of groundwater as a complementary water source for public supply, provided that they are properly studied and managed.

Este trabalho trata do estudo detalhado e com profundidade das metodologias de aquisição, processamento e interpretação de dados de caminhamentos elétricos, sob o enfoque de investigações voltadas a objetivos rasos. Nas técnicas de aquisição 2D (caminhamentos) foram utilizados os arranjos dipolo-dipolo, pólo-dipolo, pólo-pólo e Wenner, permitindo comparações quanto à eficácia dos mesmos. Foi testada uma genuína aquisição 3D utilizando o arranjo pólo-pólo, avaliando-se suas potencialidades e limitações. O Schlumberger foi o arranjo empregado para a execução de SEVs que auxiliaram na interpretação e quantificação das seções geoelétricas 2D, principalmente no que se refere à distribuição vertical das resistividades. Os modelos geoelétricos 2D foram obtidos com um programa de inversão de dados (RES2DINV) que, em tese, é capaz de corrigir as distorções observadas nas pseudo-seções de resistividade elétrica aparente correspondentes aos diversos arranjos utilizados no trabalho. Estes modelos constituem imagens que apresentam uma melhor correspondência com a realidade geológica em subsuperfície, o que facilita a interpretação dos resultados. Procurou-se explorar o máximo as potencialidades do programa de inversão, visando a obtenção de imagens de boa qualidade. A interpretação geofísica foi sempre efetuada com base em informações diretas disponíveis (furos de sondagem, trincheiras, poços e afloramento). Em uma escala de investigação rasa, a resolução passa a ter uma importância fundamental. Procurou-se demonstrar que, quando são utilizados pequenos espaçamentos entre eletrodos (menores que quatro metros), particularmente no caso do dipolo-dipolo, é possível a execução de mais níveis de investigação em profundidade (superiores a oito) ainda com uma boa qualidade do sinal. Por outro lado, os arranjos dipolo-dipolo e pólo-pólo permitem um número muito maior de níveis de investigação sem a limitação das pequenas aberturas, mas com alguma perda em definição. Como conseqüência, tem-se um significativo aumento na quantidade de dados gerados na seção, o que contribui para o incremento da resolução bi-dimensional. Outro aspecto testado e avaliado foi o da utilização de múltiplos espaçamentos entre eletrodos sobre o mesmo perfil de levantamento. Este interessante procedimento garante, além de resolução nas porções rasas (graças aos espaçamentos pequenos), o alcance de maiores profundidades de investigação (devido aos espaçamentos maiores) em uma mesma seção. A eficácia desta prática foi verificada tanto na construção das pseudo-seções, como nos modelos geoelétricos gerados pela inversão dos dados (modelagem). A metodologia foi testada em três distintas áreas tendo por objetivo o mapeamento de um nível d´água raso, a determinação da profundidade e conformação de topo rochoso e o mapeamento de uma provável pluma de contaminação. Além de uma ampla revisão bibliográfica sobre o assunto, foi também abordado neste trabalho o controverso tema da profundidade de investigação que de fato se verifica com os arranjos de eletrodos comumente empregados em eletrorresistividade. Procurou-se, com esta tese, contribuir para um melhor entendimento acerca do tema \"imageamento geoelétrico\" e alguns tópicos a ele relacionados, quais sejam: arranjo de eletrodos, procedimentos para se conseguir um bom volume de dados na seção, utilização eficiente do programa de inversão que gera os modelos e, finalmente, a interpretação dos resultados sempre balizada por informações diretas disponíveis e por outros métodos ou técnicas geofísicas de apoio. / This paper addresses a detailed, in-depth study on data aquisition, processing and interpretation methodologies for 2D electrical profilings, focusing on investigations oriented to shallow targets. Two-dimensional (electrical profilings) acquisition techniques were used on a wide range of arrays - dipole-dipole, pole-dipole, pole-pole and Wenner arrays - for efficiency comparison purposes. A real 3D acquistion was tested with the pole-pole array in order to check its potential use and limitations. Schlumberger was the array used for SEVs, which helped to interpret and quantify 2D geoelectrical sections, especially as to the vertical distribution of resistivity. The 2D geoelectrical models were generated with an inversion computer program (RES2DINV), which basically corrects any distortions found in the apparent resistivity pseudosections corresponding to the arrays included in this study. These models create images that better match the subsurface geological reality, therefore simplifying the interpretation of results. We tried to explore the full potential use of the inversion computer program for good quality images. The geophysical interpretation was always based on the subsurface information available (boreholes, trenches, wells and outcrop). Resolution is critical in a shallow investigation scale. This study tried to show that the use of small spacings between electrodes (less than four meters), particularly in dipole-dipole arrays, allows for more in-depth investigation levels (greater than eight) without compromising signal quality. On the other hand, dipole-dipole and pole-pole arrays allow for a larger number of investigation levels without small spacings limitations, but with a slight loss of definition. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the amount of data generated at the section, enhancing 2D resolution. Another aspect tested and assessed was the use of multiple spacings between electrodes on the same survey profile. In addition to resolution in shallow sections (thanks to small spacings), this interesting procedure allows deeper investigation levels (due to larger spacings) in the same section. The efficacy of this practice was verified both in the development of pseudo-sections and in the geoelectrical models generated by inversion modelling. The methodology was tested in three different areas in order to map a shallow water table, determine the depth and shape of the bedrock, and map a potential contaminant plume. In addition to the broad literature review available, this paper also covered the controversial topic of depth investigation actually present in electrode arrays typically used in electrical resistivity methods. This thesis tried to provide a better understanding of \"geoelectrical resistivity imaging\" and related topics such as: electrode array, procedures required to generate good volumes of data in the section, efficient use of the inversion computer program behind the models and, lastly, interpretation of results, always based on the subsurface information available and on other supporting geophysical methods or techniques.

No description available.

Surface coal mining has caused significant land-use change in central Appalachia in the past few decades. This landscape altering process has been shown to degrade water quality and impact aquatic communities in the mining-influenced headwater streams of this biodiverse ecoregion. Among pollutants of concern is total dissolved solids (TDS) which is usually measured via its surrogate parameter, specific conductance (SC). The SC of valley fill effluent is a function of fill construction methods, materials, and age; yet hydrologic studies that relate these variables to water quality are sparse due to the difficulty of implementing traditional hydrologic measurements in fill material. We tested the effectiveness of electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) to monitor subsurface hydrologic flow paths in valley fills. ERI is a non-invasive geophysical inverse technique that maps spatiotemporal changes in resistivity of the subsurface. When a resistance or conductive change is induced in the system, ERI can reveal both geologic structure and hydrologic flows. We paired ERI with artificial rainfall experiments to track highly conductive infiltrated water as it moved through the valley fill. The subsurface structure of two other landforms were also imaged to confirm variations between forms. Results indicate that ERI can be used to identify the subsurface geologic structure as well as track the advancing wetting front and preferential flow paths. We observed that the upper portion of a fill develops a profile that more closely resembles soil with smaller particle sizes, while the deeper profile has higher heterogeneity, with large rocks and void spaces. The sprinkling experiments revealed that water tends to pond on the surface of compacted areas until it reaches preferential flowpaths, where it infiltrates quickly and migrates deeply or laterally. We observed water moving from the surface down to a 20 meters depth in one hour and 15 minutes, and to a depth of 10 meters in just 45 minutes. We also observed lateral preferential flow downslope within 5 meters of the surface, likely due to transmissive zones between compacted layers along the angle-of-repose. Finally, when compared to other landscapes we were able to see that a filled highwall slope has larger rocks near the surface than the valley fill, but a similar degree of heterogeneity throughout; while the natural slope has less heterogeneity at depth as is expected in consolidated bedrock. ERI applications can improve understanding of how various fill construction techniques influence subsurface water movement, and in turn aid in the development of valley fill construction methods that will reduce environmental impacts. / Master of Science

Surface coal mining has altered Appalachian landscapes, affecting water quality and aquatic ecology. Valley fills created from excess overburden are prominent features of many mined landscapes. Increased total dissolved solids (TDS), as measured by its surrogate specific conductance (SC), is a significant water quality concern related to the exposure of fresh mineral surfaces to weathering in valley fills. Specific conductance levels in waters draining Appalachian mined areas are highly variable, yet the causes for this variability are not well known. Here we sought to improve understanding of such variability by investigating the interior subsurface structure and hydrologic flowpaths within a series of valley fills and relating that to valley fill characteristics such as age and construction method. We used electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) to investigate the subsurface structure of four valley fills in two dimensions. We combined ERI with artificial rainfall to investigate the location and transit time of hydrologic preferential infiltration flowpaths through the fills. Finally, we used our ERI results in conjunction with SC data from effluent streams to improve understanding of SC relationship to fill flowpaths and characteristics. ERI results indicated considerable variability in substrate type and widespread presence of preferential infiltration flowpaths among the valley fills studied. We estimated an average preferential flowpath length of 6.6 meters, average transit time of 1.4 hours, and average velocity of 5.1 m/h or 0.14 cm/s through preferential infiltration flowpaths. ERI successfully distinguished fills constructed using methods of conventional loose-dump and experimental controlled-material compacted-lift construction. Conventional fills had greater ranges of subsurface resistivity, indicating a wider range of substrate types and/or more variable moisture content. Conventional fills also showed more accumulation of water within the fill during artificial rainfall, possibly indicating more quick/deep preferential infiltration flowpaths than in the experimental fill. Relationships between other fill characteristics as well as stream effluent SC were not related in a statistically significant way to fill structure or flowpaths. ERI appears to be a robust non-invasive technique that provides reliable information on valley fill structure and hydrology, and experimental compacted-lift valley fill construction produces significantly altered hydrologic response, which in turn affects downstream SC. / MS / Surface coal mining has altered Appalachian landscapes, affecting water quality and aquatic ecology. Valley fills created from excess mine spoil are prominent features of many mined landscapes. The streams draining valley fills often have very poor water quality, including high levels of increased total dissolved solids (TDS) related to weathering of mine spoils within valley fills. In this work, we investigated the subsurface structure of a series of valley fills and identified preferential hydrologic flowpaths, which are the “paths of least resistance” water follows for rapid infiltration. We related our results to various valley fill characteristics such as age and construction method. We found that the subsurface of a conventionally built fill tends to have more variation in material and/or moisture content than a fill built with an experimental construction method. Conventional fills also showed more accumulation of water within the fill during artificial rainfall experiments, possibly indicating more quick/deep preferential infiltration flowpaths than in the experimental fill.