A Low-Cost Energy-Efficient Cableless Geophone Unit for Passive Surface Wave Surveys

The characterization of soil is essential for the evaluation of seismic hazard, because soil properties strongly influence the damage caused by earthquakes. Methods based on seismic noise are the most commonly used in soil characterization. Concretely, methods based on seismic noise array measurements allow for the estimation of Rayleigh wave dispersion curves and, subsequently, shear-wave velocity profiles. The equipment required for the application of this technique is usually very expensive, which could be a significant economic challenge for small research groups. In this work, we have developed a wireless multichannel seismic noise recorder system (Geophonino-W), which is suitable for array measurements. Each station includes a microcontroller board (Arduino), a conditioning circuit, an Xbee module, an SD card, and a GPS module. Several laboratory tests were carried out in order to study the performance of the Geophonino-W: A frequency response test (impulse response and noise); synchronization test; and battery duration test. Comparisons of Geophonino-W with the commercial systems and field measurements were also carried out. The estimated dispersion curves obtained using the proposed system were compared with the ones obtained using other commercial equipment, demonstrating the effectiveness of Geophonino-W for seismic noise array measurements. Geophonino-W is an economic open-source and hardware system that is available to any small research group or university.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Geophonino-W: A Wireless Multichannel Seismic Noise Recorder System for Array Measurements

Soler-Llorens

Galiana-Merino

Giner-Caturla

et al. 2019

“…In this study, the new cable-less seismograph system was created based on the embedded portable high-precision digital seismograph (EPS), manufactured by Chongqing Geological Instrument Factory in Chongqing, China [ 26 , 27 ]. The EPS was a broadband (0.2–200 Hz) micro-power seismograph with a built-in three-component seismic sensor, a BDS and GPS timing and positioning module, an electronic compass, and a rechargeable lithium battery ( Figure 2 ).…”

Section: System Designmentioning

confidence: 99%

A New Cable-Less Seismograph with Functions of Real-Time Data Transmitting and High-Precision Differential Self-Positioning

Kang

You

Wang

et al. 2020

Self Cite

This study developed a new cable-less seismograph system, which can transmit seismic data in real-time and automatically perform high-precision differential self-positioning. Combining the ZigBee technology with the high-precision differential positioning module, this new seismograph system utilized the wireless personal area network (WPAN) and real-time kinematic (RTK) technologies to improve its on-site performances and to make the field quality control (QC) and self-positioning possible. With the advantages of low-cost, good scalability, and good compatibility, the proposed new cable-less seismograph system can improve the field working efficiency and data processing capability. It has potential applications in noise seismology and mobile seismic monitoring.

“…The third category consists of all types of broadband seismographs, which have a low natural frequency, high manufacturing cost and heavy weight (all weight more than 10 kg) [18]. They require independent global positioning system (GPS) modules, recorders, and supporting power supplies, which cause inconvenience in transportation and portability [19,20,21]. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure the reliability of the field layout and perform rapid field applications of MSM with dense array measurements.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Integrated Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Node for the Microtremor Survey Method

Tian

Wang

Zhou

et al. 2019

The microtremor survey method (MSM) has the potential to be an important geophysical method for identifying the strata velocity structure and detecting the buried fault structures. However, the existing microtremor exploration equipment has been unable to satisfy the requirements of the MSM, which suffers from low data accuracy, long measurement time, and blind acquisition. In this study, we combined a 2 Hz moving coil geophone with advanced acquisition systems to develop a new integrated energy-efficient wireless sensor node for microtremor exploration. A high-precision AD chip and noise matching technology are used to develop a low-noise design for the sensor node. Dynamic frequency selection technology (DFS) and dynamic power management technology (DPM) are used to design an energy-efficient mode. The data quality monitoring system solves the closed technical flaws between the acquisition systems and the control center via 4G wireless monitoring technologies. According to the results of a series of in situ tests and field measurements, the noise level of the system was 0.7 μV@500 Hz with 0 dB attenuation and 220 mW power consumption of the system in the autonomous data acquisition mode. Therefore, it provides substantial support for the effective data acquisition over long measurement durations in microtremor exploration processes. The applicability of the system is evaluated using field data, according to which the integrated energy-efficient wireless sensor node is convenient and effective for MSM.