ASTM D7128-18
Standard Guide for Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for Shallow Subsurface Investigation

Standard No.

ASTM D7128-18

Release Date

2018

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D7128-18

Scope

1.1 Purpose and Application: 1.1.1 This guide summarizes the technique, equipment, field procedures, data processing, and interpretation methods for the assessment of shallow subsurface conditions using the seismicreflection method. 1.1.2 Seismic reflection measurements as described in this guide are applicable in mapping shallow subsurface conditions for various uses including geologic (1), geotechnical, hydrogeologic (2), and environmental (3).2 The seismic-reflection method is used to map, detect, and delineate geologic conditions including the bedrock surface, confining layers (aquitards), faults, lithologic stratigraphy, voids, water table, fracture systems, and layer geometry (folds). The primary application of the seismic-reflection method is the mapping of lateral continuity of lithologic units and, in general, detection of change in acoustic properties in the subsurface. 1.1.3 This guide will focus on the seismic-reflection method as it is applied to the near surface. Near-surface seismic reflection applications are based on the same principles as those used for deeper seismic reflection surveying, but accepted practices can differ in several respects. Near-surface seismic-reflection data are generally high-resolution (dominant frequency above 80 Hz) and image depths from around 6 m to as much as several hundred meters. Investigations shallower than 6 m have occasionally been undertaken, but these should be considered experimental. 1.2 Limitations: 1.2.1 This guide provides an overview of the shallow seismic-reflection method, but it does not address the details of seismic theory, field procedures, data processing, or interpretation of the data. Numerous references are included for that purpose and are considered an essential part of this guide. It is recommended that the user of the seismic-reflection method be familiar with the relevant material in this guide, the references cited in the text, and Guides D420, D653, D2845, D4428/ D4428M, Practice D5088, Guides D5608, D5730, D5753, D6235, and D6429. 1.2.2 This guide is limited to two-dimensional (2-D) shallow seismic-reflection measurements made on land. The seismic-reflection method can be adapted for a wide variety of special uses: on land, within a borehole, on water, and in three dimensions (3-D). However, a discussion of these specialized adaptations of reflection measurements is not included in this guide. 1.2.3 This guide provides information to help understand the concepts and application of the seismic-reflection method to a wide range of geotechnical, engineering, and groundwater problems. 1.2.4 The approaches suggested in this guide for the seismic-reflection method are commonly used, widely accepted, and proven; however, other approaches or modifications to the seismic-reflection method that are technically sound may be equally suited. 1.2.5 Technical limitations of the seismic-reflection method are discussed in 5.4. 1.2.6 This guide discusses both compressional (P) and shear (S) wave reflection methods. Where applicable, the distinctions between the two methods will be pointed out in this guide. 1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This guide is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration for a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this guide means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process. 1.4 The values stated in SI units are regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are inch-pound units, which are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1 This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.01 on Surface and Subsurface Characterization. Current edition approved July 15, 2018. Published August 2018. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D7128–05(2010). DOI: 10.1520/D7128-18. 2 The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this standard. Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 1 1.5 Precautions: 1.5.1 It is the responsibility of the user of this guide to follow any precautions within the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations, establish appropriate health and safety practices, and consider the safety and regulatory implications when explosives or any high-energy (mechanical or chemical) sources are used. 1.5.2 If the method is applied at sites with hazardous materials, operations, or equipment, it is the responsibility of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of any regulations prior to use. 1.5.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM D7128-18 Referenced Document

• ASTM D2845 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Pulse Velocities and Ultrasonic Elastic Constants of Rock*， 2024-04-21 Update
• ASTM D3740 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D420 Standard Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes
• ASTM D4428/D4428M Standard Test Methods for Crosshole Seismic Testing*， 2024-04-21 Update
• ASTM D5088 Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Nonradioactive Waste Sites
• ASTM D5608 Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Low Level Radioactive Waste Sites
• ASTM D5730 Standard Guide for Site Characterization for Environmental Purposes With Emphasis on Soil, Rock, the Vadose Zone and Ground Water
• ASTM D5753 Standard Guide for Planning and Conducting Borehole Geophysical Logging
• ASTM D5777 Standard Guide for Using the Seismic Refraction Method for Subsurface Investigation*， 2018-12-15 Update
• ASTM D6235 Standard Practice for Expedited Site Characterization of Vadose Zone and Ground Water Contamination at Hazardous Waste Contaminated Sites
• ASTM D6429 Standard Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods
• ASTM D6432 Standard Guide for Using the Surface Ground Penetrating Radar Method for Subsurface Investigation
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

ASTM D7128-18 history

• 2018 ASTM D7128-18 Standard Guide for Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for Shallow Subsurface Investigation
• 2005 ASTM D7128-05(2010) Standard Guide for Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for Shallow Subsurface Investigation
• 2005 ASTM D7128-05 Standard Guide for Using the Seismic-Reflection Method for Shallow Subsurface Investigation