One of the presentations during webinar #5 of the A-GaME winter webinar series — ‘Double-Header’ Geophysics: Electrical and Seismic Methods — focuses on the benefits of combining resistivity and seismic methods. Clint Wood Ph.D., P.E., from the University of Arkansas, presents a case study from a research project with the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) to investigate a chronically distressed slope on Interstate 40 in Ozark. By harnessing the strengths of both testing methods, the team was able to provide detailed information on subsurface conditions (particularly bedrock depth and water conditions), which was used to aid in designing a permanent repair solution for the slope.  A key takeaway? Geophysical methods allow exploration of a much larger area, and soil volume, than drilling and sampling alone and can reveal subsurface issues at a larger scale that would otherwise be difficult to visualize and understand.

Seismic Refraction for Highways

In another presentation during webinar #5 — ‘Double-Header’ Geophysics: Electrical and Seismic Methods — William Dalrymple of Caltrans discusses why seismic refraction is useful to Caltrans, the various ways they process seismic refraction data, and how they apply the data for different conditions.

He also shares two case studies of projects at Caltrans. According to Dalrymple, seismic refraction is an important part of the A-GaME initiative to provide better geotechnical data for design and construction.

Photo caption: GRM travel time, velocity and elevation sections, Devil’s Canyon Bridge

A-Game Webinars

Deep Foundations Institute (DFI) is hosting and distributing recordings of the 2020-2021 winter webinar series, featuring the FHWA A-GaME on its YouTube Channel.

The webinars feature a variety of topics related to proven, effective exploration methods and practices for enhanced, effective site characterization that reduce project risks, improve quality and accelerate project delivery.