• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.191-199
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• 2019

To calculate proper seismic design load and seismic design category, the exact site class for construction site is required. At present, the average shear-wave velocity for multi-layer soil deposits is calculated by the sum of shear-wave velocities without considering of vertical relationship of the strata. In this study, the transfer function for the multi-layered soil deposits was reviewed on the basis of the wave propagation theory. Also, the transfer function was accurately verified by the finite element model and the eigenvalue analysis. Three methods for site period estimation were evaluated. The sum of shear-wave velocities underestimated the average shear-wave velocities of 526 strata with large deviations. The equation of Mexican code overestimated the average shear-wave velocities. The equation of Japanese code well estimated the average shear-wave velocities with small deviation.

• 한국신재생에너지학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2005.06a
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• pp.638-642
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• 2005

For gas hydrate exploration, long offset multichannel seismic data acquired using by the 4km streamer length in Ulleung basin of the East Sea. The dataset was processed to define the BSRs (Bottom Simulating Reflectors) and to estimate the amount of gas hydrates. Confirmation of the presence of Bottom Simulating reflectors (BSR) and investigation of its physical properties from seismic section are important for gas hydrate detection. Specially, faster interval velocity overlying slower interval velocity indicates the likely presences of gas hydrate above BSR and free gas underneath BSR. In consequence, estimation of correct interval velocities and analysis of their spatial variations are critical processes for gas hydrate detection using seismic reflection data. Using Dix's equation, Root Mean Square (RMS) velocities can be converted into interval velocities. However, it is not a proper way to investigate interval velocities above and below BSR considering the fact that RMS velocities have poor resolution and correctness and the assumption that interval velocities increase along the depth. Therefore, we incorporated Migration Velocity Analysis (MVA) software produced by Landmark CO. to estimate correct interval velocities in detail. MVA is a process to yield velocities of sediments between layers using Common Mid Point (CMP) gathered seismic data. The CMP gathered data for MVA should be produced after basic processing steps to enhance the signal to noise ratio of the first reflections. Prestack depth migrated section is produced using interval velocities and interval velocities are key parameters governing qualities of prestack depth migration section. Correctness of interval velocities can be examined by the presence of Residual Move Out (RMO) on CMP gathered data. If there is no RMO, peaks of primary reflection events are flat in horizontal direction for all offsets of Common Reflection Point (CRP) gathers and it proves that prestack depth migration is done with correct velocity field. Used method in this study, Tomographic inversion needs two initial input data. One is the dataset obtained from the results of preprocessing by removing multiples and noise and stacked partially. The other is the depth domain velocity model build by smoothing and editing the interval velocity converted from RMS velocity. After the three times iteration of tomography inversion, Optimum interval velocity field can be fixed. The conclusion of this study as follow, the final Interval velocity around the BSR decreased to 1400 m/s from 2500 m/s abruptly. BSR is showed about 200m depth under the seabottom

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.230-242
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• 2017

Seismic velocities measured from in-situ tests (n=177) and through rock core samples (n=1,035) are reviewed in light of construction standards, widely used standards as a first-hand approximation of rock classification solely based on seismic velocities. In-situ down hole tests and refraction survey for soft rocks showed seismic velocities of 1,400~2,900 m/s which is faster than those specified in construction standards. For moderate~ hard rocks, in-situ down hole tests and refraction survey showed 2,300~3,800 m/s which roughly corresponds with the range specified in the construction standards. A similar trend is also observed for seismic velocities measured from rock core samples. The observed differences between construction standards and seismic velocities can be explained in two ways. If construction standards are correct the observed differences may be explained with seismic velocities affected by underlying fast velocities and also possibly with selection of intact cores for velocity measurement. Alternatively, construction standards may have intrinsic problems, namely artificial discrete boundaries between soft rocks and moderate rocks, application of foreign standards without consideration of geologic setting and lack of independent verification steps. Therefore, we suggest a carefully designed verification studies from a test site. We also suggest that care must be exercised when applying construction standards for the interpretation and accessment of rock mass properties.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.377-390
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• 2015

The governing equations of wave propagation in one dimension of elastic continuum materials are investigated by taking the influence of the initial stress into account. After a short review of the theory of elastic wave propagation in a rock mass with an initial stress, results indicate that the initial stress differentially influences P-wave and S-wave propagation. For example, when the initial stress is homogeneous, for the P-wave, the initial stress only affects the magnitude of the elastic coefficients, but for the S-wave, the initial stress not only influences the elastic coefficients but also changes the governing equation of wave propagation. In addition, the P-wave and S-wave velocities were measured for granite samples at a low initial stress state; the results indicate that the seismic velocities increase with the initial stress. The analysis of the previous data of seismic velocities and elastic coefficients in rocks under ultra-high hydrostatic initial stress are also investigated.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.85-98
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• 2009

The tau-p inversion algorithm is widely employed to generate starting models with most computer programs, which implement refraction tomography. This algorithm emphasises the vertical resolution of many layers, and as a result, it frequently fails to detect even large lateral variations in seismic velocities, such as the decreases which are indicative of shear zones. This study demonstrates the failure of the tau-p inversion algorithm to detect or define a major shear zone which is 50m or 10 stations wide. Furthermore, the majority of refraction tomography programs parameterise the seismic velocities within each layer with vertical velocity gradients. By contrast, the Generalized Reciprocal Method (GRM) inversion algorithms emphasise the lateral resolution of individual layers. This study demonstrates the successful detection and definition of the 50m wide shear zone with the GRM inversion algorithms. The existence of the shear zone is confirmed by a 2D analysis of the head wave amplitudes and by numerous closely spaced orthogonal seismic profiles carried out as part of a later 3D refraction investigation. Furthermore, an analysis of the shot record amplitudes indicates that a reversal in the seismic velocities, rather than vertical velocity gradients, occurs in the weathered layers. The major conclusion reached in this study is that while all seismic refraction operations should aim to provide as accurate depth estimates as is practical, those which emphasise the lateral resolution of individual layers generate more useful results for geotechnical and environmental applications. The advantages of the improved lateral resolution are obtained with 2D traverses in which the structural features can be recognised from the magnitudes of the variations in the seismic velocities. Furthermore, the spatial patterns obtained with 3D investigations facilitate the recognition of structural features such as faults which do not display any intrinsic variation or 'signature' in seismic velocities.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.215-227
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• 2001

The Okchon Formation and the Mesozoic granite of the Boeun, Chungbuk are compared in terms of seismic wave velocities estimated from the field experiment, and seismic wave velocities in 3-D measured from the rock specimen. P-wave velocity for the field data ranges from 861 m/s (Guryongsan-2 Formation) to 2697m/s (Bulguksa Granite). P-wave anisotropy also ranges from 46% (Changri Formation) to 81% (Bulguksa Granite), with an average value of 68.5%. P-wave velocities for the rock specimens from Guryongsan-1, Guryongsan-2, Changri, and Munjuri Formations are greater than 5000m/s. S-wave velocities for those specimens are approximately 3500m/s, which is 3-5 times grater than the ones estimated from the field experimental data. P-wave anisotropy for the specimens from Bulguksa Granite and Guryongsan-1 Formation exceeds 60%, which is compared to 30% for the other specimens. This value is much smaller than average P-wave anisotropy (69.5%) for the field data. It is suggested that velocity difference, associated with the propagation direction, is much greater for the field data than for the specimens.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2008.03a
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• pp.442-451
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• 2008

The evaluation of field degree of consolidation on soft clays has been an important problem in geotechnical areas. Monitoring either settlements or pore water pressures has been widely applied in the filed, but occasionally they have some problems. This study addresses the suggestion and application of another method for evaluating the degree of consolidation using shear wave velocities. A research site where soft clay layers were consolidated by surcharging loads was chosen. Laboratory tests were performed to determine the relation between shear wave velocity and effective stress. Field seismic tests were conducted several times during the consolidation of the clay layers. The tests results show that the shear wave velocity increased significantly as clays consolidated. The shear wave velocities at each field stress states were derived from the laboratory results and the degree of consolidation was evaluated by comparing the shear wave velocities obtained by laboratory and field seismic methods. In most stress states, the degree of consolidation evaluated using the shear wave velocity matched well with that obtained from field settlement record, showing the potential of applying the method using shear waves in the evaluation of field degree of consolidation on soft clay deposits.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.96-99
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• 2017

Virtual source data were produced by applying the seismic interferometry to the 2002 experimental seismic refraction data. Using the data, moveout velocities and effective anellipticity were experimentally computed for the crust at eight sites in the Korean peninsula. The moveout velocities of reflection events at approximate Moho depths were yielded to be $6.30{\pm}0.25km/s$ using near-offset traveltimes. Expanding the Taylor approximation to the $3^{rd}$ term for far-offset traveltimes, the effective anellipticity parameters were computed to be $0.18{\pm}0.07$ for the crust material.

• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.14-18
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• 2004

High levels of ambient noise and safety factors often limit the use of 'active-source' seismic methods for geotechnical investigations in urban environments. As an alternative, shear-wave velocity-depth profiles can be obtained by treating the background microtremor wave field as a stochastic process, rather than adopting the traditional approach of calculating velocity based on ray path geometry from a known source. A recent field test in Melbourne demonstrates the ability of the microtremor method, using only Rayleigh waves, to resolve a velocity inversion resulting from the presence of a hard, 12 m thick basalt flow overlying 25 m of softer alluvial sediments and weathered mudstone. Normally the presence of the weaker underlying sediments would lead to an ambiguous or incorrect interpretation with conventional seismic refraction methods. However, this layer of sediments is resolved by the microtremor method, and its inclusion is required in one-dimensional layered-earth modelling in order to reproduce the Rayleigh-wave coherency spectra computed from observed seismic noise records. Nearby borehole data provided both a guide for interpretation and a confirmation of the usefulness of the passive Rayleigh-wave microtremor method. Sensitivity analyses of resolvable modelling parameters demonstrate that estimates of shear velocities and layer thicknesses are accurate to within approximately $10\%\;to\;20\%$ using the spatial autocorrelation (SPAC) technique. Improved accuracy can be obtained by constraining shear velocities and/or layer thicknesses using independent site knowledge. Although there exists potential for ambiguity due to velocity-thickness equivalence, the microtremor method has significant potential as a site investigation tool in situations where the use of traditional seismic methods is limited.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.201-207
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• 1994

This paper presents a technique to determine anisotropic elastic coefficients from traveltimes of seismic reflections or vertical seismic profiling (VSP) in tranversely isotropic layers whose thicknesses are known. The elastic coefficients are calculated from three different velocities (vertical, horizontal and skew velocities) which are determined from skew hyperbolic traveltimes by least-square fitting or semblance analysis. This interpretation technique is tested for synthetic traveltime data obtained for transversely isotropic models. The test shows that the anisotropic elastic constants of the models are determined accurately by this interpretation method.