Assessment of Low Strain Parameters for Seismic Microzonation in Uyo, South- South, Nigeria

Abstract

This study had been executed employing Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT) and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), to integrate elastic and bearing capacity with engineering criteria within delineation for seismic microzonation besides menace assessment. Forty eight and eight SRT and MASW outline through an aggregate distance of about 484 m breathe constrained toward characterizing topsoil variables conducive to site characterization. 12 kg sledge hammers with 1.0 m diameter aluminum disc, twenty four channels (ES 30000 S) enhancement seismographs were used as seismic sources, detectors, and recorders. P and S wave’s velocities breathe attained as well as delineated employing SRT and MASW techniques via beget 2D/3D velocity depth model. The elastic, bearing capacity and engineering parameters calculated were: Elastic/rigidity modulus, Poisson ratio, allowable capacity and compactness grade along with strain correlation to evaluate the near surface substratum through geophysical and engineering potential. These parameters identified three microzones: Higher, midway, and bottom zones. The higher zone is delineated by frail soil quality; the midway one is delineated by light soil quality and the bottom zone is delineated by acceptable soil quality. The frail and light parameters of the higher and midway zones lead to the structural collapse experience in the region. Therefore, the bottom zone of acceptable soil and rock quality is recommended for the construction plan.