Seismic Profiling
Seismic profiling was used to develop shear wave velocity profiles to help estimate the depth to top of rock
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The Challenge
- Needed to determine if non-rippable rock would impact the proposed 11-mile pipeline alignment
- Required accurate characterization of subsurface conditions within the top 10 feet for excavation planning
- Aimed to reduce the risk of costly delays and specialized excavation due to unexpected hard rock
Before pipeline trenching began, the client needed to determine whether the proposed pipeline alignment might encounter an extended stretch of non rippable rock that could require a route change. To reduce these risks, the client sought a clear understanding of subsurface rippability along an approximately 11-mile alignment of a planned 30-inchpipeline in North Carolina. The goal was to characterize ground conditions within the upper 10 feet of the alignment to support excavation planning and informed decision-making during construction.
The Solution
Geocomp conducted a comprehensive geophysical survey along the full 11-mile corridor. Using a land streamer-based seismic method, Geocomp generated a continuous subsurface profile—providing far greater spatial coverage than traditional boreholes, which only sample discrete locations.
From the seismic data, shear wave velocity profiles were developed to define shallow stratigraphy and estimate the depth to the top of rock. Based on these results, Geocomp classified subsurface materials along the alignment into four categories: soil, partially weathered rock (PWR), marginally rippable rock, and non-rippable rock.
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