Analyzing Soil Electrical and Strength Parameters Using Geophysical and Geotechnical Methods in Sungai Batu, Kedah

摘要

Engineering structures require strong foundations to prevent hazards occur due to lack of understanding the subsurface soil. Geophysical and geotechnical surveys were conducted in Sungai Batu, Kedah to determine the effectiveness of correlating electrical parameters for vertical resolution and to evaluate soil strength by integrating Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Standard Penetration Test (SPT). Results from ERT and GPR showed heterogeneity in the subsurface stratigraphy from surface to 8.6 m depth. The inversion model showed two zones of saturated (<150 Ωm) and dry zone (>150 Ωm). The integration of ERT, GPR and SPT is applied at the borehole position which is at distance of 9.5 m of the survey line. The resistivity values at distance of 9.5 m range from 7 - 30 Ωm due to soil formed by sedimentation originated from fluvial system (sandy clay and clay). Calculated electrical conductivity values from GPR radargram coincide and in range with values from ERT. At distance of 9.5 m, the electrical conductivity range from 32 - 148 mS/m. The N-value from SPT showed low value with range of 12 - 20. The correlation of electrical parameters from ERT and GPR showed good agreement which is effective for vertical resolution. Low resistivity (high conductivity), low N-value and heterogeneity of the soil denote unstable subsurface. Sandy clay/clay in Sungai Batu are detrimental for shallow foundation as the soil material is susceptible to subsidence and has irregular characteristics influenced by the weather. Hence, the soils up to 8 m depth were unstable, weak and may cause harm to building structure.