Integration Of Surface Seismic Waves Laboratory Measurements And Downhole Acoustic Televiewer Imaging In Geotechnical Characterization

Geotechnical site characteristics are a function of the subsurface elastic moduli and the geologic structures. This study integrates borehole, surface and laboratory measurements for a geotechnical investigation that is focused on investigating shear-wave velocity (Vs) variation and its implication to geotechnical aspects of the Ogden test site in eastern Kansas. The area has a potential of seismicity due to the seismic zone associated with the Nemaha formation where earthquakes pose a moderate hazard. This study is in response to recent design standards for bridge structures require integrating comprehensive geotechnical site characterization. Furthermore, evaluation of dynamic soil properties is important for proper seismic response analysis and soil modeling programs. In this study, near surface geophysical site characterization in the form of 2D shear-wave velocity (Vs) structure that is compared with laboratory measurements of elastic moduli and earth properties at simulated in situ overburden pressure conditions and synergy with downhole Acoustic Televiewer time and amplitude logs, proved very robust "validated" workflow in site characterization for geotechnical purposes. An important component of a geotechnical site characterization is the evaluation of in-situ shear modulus, Poisson's ratio and reliable and accurate elastic modulus ([lambda]) and shear modulus ([mu]) estimates are important in a good geotechnical site characterization. The geophysical site characterization, undertaken in this study, will complement and help in extrapolating drilling and core-based properties deduced by the geotechnical engineers interested at the test site.

Approaches that are typically applied in deep exploration geophysics, combining different seismic and logging methods, can be technically adapted for certain geotechnical or hydrogeological surveys or some site characterizations in the framework of seismic hazard studies. Currently it is entirely feasible to implement this type of geophysical surveying if the situation requires. After reviewing the current state of knowledge regarding borehole measurements of subsurface shear velocities applied to the geotechnical field, this book illustrates the feasibility of carrying out vertical seismic profiles (VSPs) and logs in this field. This approach also illustrates the value of combining velocity measurements of formations provided by borehole seismic tools (VSP) and acoustic (sonic) tools. An innovative example of the application of borehole seismic and logging methods is then presented in the case study of a relatively near-surface (from 20 to 130 m) karst carbonate aquifer. It shows how a multi-scale description of the reservoir can be carried out by integrating the information provided by different 3D-THR surface seismic methods, full waveform acoustic logging, VSP with hydrophones, borehole optical televiewer and flow measurements. In this book the authors provide readers with guidelines to carry out these operations, in terms of acquisitions as well as processing and interpretation. Thus, users will be able to draw inspiration to continue transferring petroleum techniques and other innovative methods for use in near-surface studies.

The Handbook of Borehole Acoustics and Rock Physics for Reservoir Characterization combines in a single useful handbook the multidisciplinary domains of the petroleum industry, including the fundamental concepts of rock physics, acoustic logging, waveform processing, and geophysical application modeling through graphical examples derived from field data. It includes results from core studies, together with graphics that validate and support the modeling process, and explores all possible facets of acoustic applications in reservoir evaluation for hydrocarbon exploration, development, and drilling support. The Handbook of Borehole Acoustics and Rock Physics for Reservoir Characterization serves as a technical guide and research reference for oil and gas professionals, scientists, and students in the multidisciplinary field of reservoir characterization through the use of petrosonics. It overviews the fundamentals of borehole acoustics and rock physics, with a focus on reservoir evaluation applications, explores current advancements through updated research, and identifies areas of future growth. Presents theory, application, and limitations of borehole acoustics and rock physics through field examples and case studies Features "Petrosonic Workflows" for various acoustic applications and evaluations, which can be easily adapted for practical reservoir modeling and interpretation Covers the potential advantages of acoustic-based techniques and summarizes key results for easy geophysical application

Acoustic logging is a multidisciplinary technology involving basic theory, instrumentation, and data processing/interpretation methodologies. The advancement of the technology now allows for a broad range of measurements to obtain formation properties such as elastic wave velocity and attenuation, formation permeability, and seismic anisotropy that are important for petroleum reservoir exploration. With these advances, it is easier to detect and characterize formation fractures, estimate formation stress field, and locate/estimate petroleum reserves. The technology has evolved from the monopole acoustic logging into the multipole, including dipole, cross-dipole, and even quadrupole, acoustic logging measurements. The measurement process has developed from the conventional wireline logging into the logging-while-drilling stage. For such a fast developing technology with applications that are interesting to readers of different backgrounds, it is necessary to have systematic documentation of the discipline, including the theory, methods, and applications, as well as the technology's past, present, and near future development trends. Quantitative Borehole Acoustic Methods provides such documentation, with emphasis on the development over the past decade. Although considerable effort has been made to provide a thorough basis for the theory and methodology development, emphasis is placed on the applications of the developed methods. The applications are illustrated with field data examples. Many of the acoustic waveform analysis/processing methods described in the book are now widely used in the well logging industry.

Downhole seismic testing and seismic cone penetration testing (SCPT) have shown little change since the 1990s, with essentially the same sensors, sources, test procedures and analytical methods being used. In these tests, the time differences of first-arrivals or other reference points early in the time-domain signals have been used to calculate shear and compression wave velocities in soil and rock layers. This time-domain method requires an operator to pick the first arrival or other reference point of each seismic wave in the time record. Picking these reference points correctly is critical in calculating wave velocities. However, picking these points in time records is time consuming and is not always easy because of low signal-to-noise ratios, especially in the case of shear waves which arrive later in the time record. To avoid picking reference points, a cross-correlation method is sometimes applied to determine travel times of the seismic waves, especially in traditional downhole testing. One benefit of the cross-correlation method is that it can be automated. The cross-correlation method is not, however, appropriate for evaluation other body wave characteristics such as wave dispersion and material damping. An alternate approach is to use frequency-domain analysis methods which are well suited for evaluating time changes between all types of waveforms measured at spatially different points. In addition, frequency-domain methods can be automated and attenuation measurements can also be performed. Examples of such testing procedures with Rayleigh-type surface waves in geotechnical earthquake engineering are the Spectral-Analysis-of-Surface-Waves (SASW) and Multi-Channel-Analysis-of-Surface-Waves (MASW) methods. In this research, an automated procedure for calculating body wave velocities that is based on frequency-domain analysis is presented. The basis for and an automated procedure to calculated body wave dispersion is also presented. Example results showing shear wave velocity and material damping measurements in the SCPT are presented. The objective of this study is to improve downhole seismic tests with boreholes, cone penetrometers or flat-plate dilatometers by developing a frequency-domain analysis method which overcomes many of the disadvantages of time-domain analyses. The frequency-domain method is called the Spectral-Analysis-of-Body-Waves (SABW) method. The SABW method does not require an operator to pick the first-arrival or other reference times. As a result, the shear wave velocities and wave dispersion can be calculated in real time using the interpretation method with an automatic calculation procedure, thus reducing human subjectivity. Also, the SABW method can be used to determine additional information from the dispersion curves such as the material damping ratio and an estimate of soil type based on the dispersion relationship. In this research, field SCPT measurements are presented as an example to illustrate the potential of the SABW method. Measurements with shear waves are highlighted because these measurements are most often required in geotechnical earthquake engineering studies.

Scientific understanding of fluid flow in rock fracturesâ€"a process underlying contemporary earth science problems from the search for petroleum to the controversy over nuclear waste storageâ€"has grown significantly in the past 20 years. This volume presents a comprehensive report on the state of the field, with an interdisciplinary viewpoint, case studies of fracture sites, illustrations, conclusions, and research recommendations. The book addresses these questions: How can fractures that are significant hydraulic conductors be identified, located, and characterized? How do flow and transport occur in fracture systems? How can changes in fracture systems be predicted and controlled? Among other topics, the committee provides a geomechanical understanding of fracture formation, reviews methods for detecting subsurface fractures, and looks at the use of hydraulic and tracer tests to investigate fluid flow. The volume examines the state of conceptual and mathematical modeling, and it provides a useful framework for understanding the complexity of fracture changes that occur during fluid pumping and other engineering practices. With a practical and multidisciplinary outlook, this volume will be welcomed by geologists, petroleum geologists, geoengineers, geophysicists, hydrologists, researchers, educators and students in these fields, and public officials involved in geological projects.

Beginning with 1999 first issue of the year devoted to coverage of the International ASEG Conference and Exhibition.

Borehole imaging is among the fastest and most accurate methods for collecting high resolution subsurface data. Recent breakthroughs in acquisition, tool design, and modeling software provide real-time subsurface images of incredible detail, from the drill bit straight to a workstation. This text portrays key applications of dipmeter and image log data across the exploration and production life cycle.

This ground-breaking work is the first to cover the fundamentals of hydrogeophysics from both the hydrogeological and geophysical perspectives. Authored by leading experts and expert groups, the book starts out by explaining the fundamentals of hydrological characterization, with focus on hydrological data acquisition and measurement analysis as well as geostatistical approaches. The fundamentals of geophysical characterization are then at length, including the geophysical techniques that are often used for hydrogeological characterization. Unlike other books, the geophysical methods and petrophysical discussions presented here emphasize the theory, assumptions, approaches, and interpretations that are particularly important for hydrogeological applications. A series of hydrogeophysical case studies illustrate hydrogeophysical approaches for mapping hydrological units, estimation of hydrogeological parameters, and monitoring of hydrogeological processes. Finally, the book concludes with hydrogeophysical frontiers, i.e. on emerging technologies and stochastic hydrogeophysical inversion approaches.