Applications of electrical resistivity methods : relationships between theoretical results and laboratory data /
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1991.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | ProQuest, Abstract Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | Although surface electrical resistivity methods are frequently used to identify subsurface anomalies, little research exists to show the limitations of electrical resistivity surveys. This research provides some cursory qualitative and quantitative information about the limitations of surface and borehole-to-surface electrical resistivity methods for identifying isolated subsurface conductive anomalies. This research applies the forward two-dimensional integral equation program Mac2DINT, based on BARNETT's (1972) algorithm, using various surface and borehole-to-surface electrode configurations to determine the limitations for accurate location of buried conductive anomalies such as hazardous waste barrels. Further, the research involves using laboratory test tank results to corroborate the theoretical integral equation predictions. Although laboratory test apparent resistivity response curves show some correlation with numerical predictions, noise dominates the laboratory results. This fact points to the modeling difficulty expected in the field. Laboratory results and numerical results indicate that surface electrical resistivity methods have difficulty resolving a two-barrel anomaly with a 1 x 10^-4 resistivity compared to the background material when the anomaly is buried to a depth equal to twice its diameter. Further, the modified Schlumberger-Gradient array provided the largest apparent resistivity response compared to the other surface electrical resistivity arrays. Borehole-to-surface arrays provide stronger apparent resistivity responses for moderately to deeply buried single barrel anomalies. However, the research shows that the current boreholes need to be within 3.5 to 4 potential electrode spacing units, in order for a significant apparent resistivity response to occur. Further research into the limitations of surface and borehole-to-surface electrical resistivity methods is needed, using three-dimensional anomalous bodies and electrode arrays. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Civil Engineering." |
| Physical Description: | xiv, 170 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |