Geophysical & Geotechnical Assessments
Geophysical and geotechnical assessments and seismic surveys
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The Challenge
- Determine the causation of the observed sinkholes and the effects on the rail line operation
- Provide a system to reduce the risk of sinkhole formation related to soil movement to the rail line
Geocomp together with its local partner Saudi Geophysical conducted an extensive investigation into the formation of sinkholes near a 1.5 km segment freight train line in Saudi Arabia.
The Solution
Geocomp and Saudi Geophysical performed a causation analysis and recommended and installed a comprehensive monitoring system for the affected rail line segment to detect and mitigate sinkhole risks. The causation analysis involved geotechnical characterization and advanced finite element analysis. The monitoring system included multiple subsystems, a fiber optic cable along a 1.5 km section to continuously measure surficial longitudinal strain, a wire-break TDR system to detect sudden ground movements that can cause wire breaks, and passive seismic surveys performed monthly using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) technology from an installed fiber optic.
Geocomp also used monthly InSAR satellite surveys to monitor ground deformations. These data are all delivered via Geocomp’s iSiteCentral® data management system. Geocomp assessed the data and provided the operator options to manage their sinkhole related risk while continuing their operations.
