Title

Constitutive elastic models to predict shallow (<30m) seismic velocities: Natural soils beneath an earthen levee: Marrero, Louisiana, U.S.A.

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Abstract

© 2013 SEG. Current constitutive elastic models of granular materials are able to predict shallow (< 30 m) seismic velocities in sands, but can be improved to predict seismic velocities in clay-rich soils where additional interparticle stresses exist, caused by capillarity and cohesion. We calculate the elastic moduli of granular matrices in near-surface environments with an updated definition of total effective stress which also incorporates granular cohesion and capillary pressures. Commonly, Hertz-Mindlin (HM) theory is used to calculate the elastic moduli of granular materials by extending Biot-Gassmann theory to include pressure effects induced by water saturation changes. Hertz-Mindlin theory predicts that seismic velocity (V) will increase as a power function of stress (σ) (V∝6σ). HM theory can readily adapt to include the additional effects of interparticle stresses. Currently the proposed extended model calculates seismic velocities that compare well with sand-tank lab experiments (depths < 1m). However, in mixed organic-rich lower-delta sediments, measured velocities require additional consideration of clay interparticle stresses. We use field velocity measurements from a case study in soils beneath coastal flood-protection levees, south of New Orleans, U.S.A For shallow depths (<100 m), interparticle stresses can be larger than net overburden stress in clay-rich soils.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Society of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 83rd Annual Meeting, SEG 2013: Expanding Geophysical Frontiers

First Page

5221

Last Page

5222

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