Seismic refraction

This technique is used for analyzing the speed at which a seismic wave (most often a P- or compressional wave) propagates through the subsoil. For this, several motion sensors (geophones) are placed in the ground connected to a seismograph to record the behavior of the subsoil by the released energy from a seismic source.

It is most commonly applied for:

• General seismic characterizations
• Rippability surveys
• Control of compactation of soil
• To estimate soil thickness or the depth to the bedrock

Example of application in order to map the distribution of loose materials as well as the depth to the bedrock (red color) for a constructive project of a light train.