Evaluation of Physical and Geomechanical characteristics at a Steel Rolling Factory at Ataqa industrial zone, Suez, Egypt using Seismic Methods

Abstract

Our investigations are aimed to calculate the physical and geomechanical characteristics needed to assess the geotechnical suitability of the subsurface at Ataqa industrial zone, Suez, Egypt for constructing some industerial facilities. To accomplish our target, four seismic profiles are conducted using the refraction technique to estimate the primary seismic wave velocity as well as four profiles using the method of "Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves" for estimating the velocity of shear waves. The stage of processing and interpretation are performed through using the "SeisImager/2D" Software. The results clarify the existence of two layers to a depth of 18 m. The top layer ranges in thickness between 2 and 4m and has a primary wave velocity ranging between 924 and 1247 m/s and a shear wave velocity ranging between 530 and 745 m/s. On the other hand, the second layer possesses an average primary velocity ranging between 1277 and 1573 m/s and a shear wave velocity ranging between 684 and 853 m/s. The measured velocities are utilized to calculate many physical and geomechanical properties of the earth materials comprising the two layers in our study area. The integration between all these parameters proves the suitability of both layers for erecting the proposed constructions.