LABORATORY FOR GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS

The IZIIS’ Laboratory for Geophysical Surveys consists of equipment and instruments for realization of different investigations in the field of engineering seismology, engineering geophysics, geotechnics and other fields. At the moment, the following equipment is available at this laboratory:

SoilSpy Rosina, 33 channel digital seismograph, MOHO, Italy. It is used for investigations by use of the following methods:

  • Investigations based on analysis of propagation of P- and S- seismic waves: seismic refraction (conventional and tomographic approach) and seismic reflection.
  • Surface wave methods: passive (fk, SPAC, passive MASW, REMI) and active methods (MASW, SASW) based on dispersion characteristics of surface waves.

AKULA -9000C – Multi-channel georadar (up to 16 channels) compatible with antennas with central frequency of 10-4000 MHz.

GCB-300 – Ground coupled antenna with central frequency of 307 MHz for investigations performed down to the depth of 8 m.

GCB-1000 – Ground coupled antenna with central frequency of 1000 MHz for investigations performed down to the depth of 1.5 m.

GEKKO-60-SR – Airborne antenna with central frequency of 65 MHz for investigations performed down to the depth of 30-50 m.

TROMINO® (5) – 3-component seismometer, MOHO, Italy.  It is used for investigations performed by use of the following methods:

  • H/V technique: Computation of Vs30 by modeling a H/V curve.
  • Investigations by application of 2D seismic arrays for Vs modeling of soil.

The advanced set, consisting of a seismic land streamer and Tromino Blu, can be used for surveys employing different seismic methods, either in a combined approach using both systems or as standalone tools.

Seismic land streamer – multi-channel seismic array

A seismic land streamer is a seismic array designed to be towed across the ground, inspired by marine seismic systems. The key components of a seismic land streamer include a digital multi-channel seismic system, geophones, a base plate, tow webbing (which secures the geophones, digitizers, and optical cable), a top plate, and a wing (used to stabilize the geophones and maintain their position during movement).

This concept enables faster deployment and seismic data collection compared to traditional land-based surveys, as the geophones do not need to be manually planted. It facilitates high-productivity seismic surveys on land, allowing large volumes of data to be gathered quickly without compromising data quality. The system is particularly effective for 2D MASW and seismic reflection surveys, often employing a ‘roll-along’ approach.

A complete radio triggering device

The Wireless Trigger (WT) is a radio device that transmits an impulse to the seismic system’s USB interface via a radio antenna when a threshold level is exceeded. It is used to trigger the seismic multi-channel system as well as the Tromino Blu.

TROMINO BLU

An all-in-one system for the dynamic characterization of subsoils (HVSR, MASW, Seismic Arrays), equipped with the following features:

  • 3 velocimetric channels (adjustable dynamic range): from microtremors (up to ±0.5mm/s) to strong vibrations (up to ± 5 cm/s)
  • 3 accelerometric channels (± 2g)
  • 1 analog channel (external trigger for MASW and refraction)
  • GPS receiver with internal and external antenna for positioning and synchronization among different units
  • Built-in radio module for synchronization among different units and alarm transmission (signal above threshold)

The TROMINO BLU includes a Bluetooth transmission system, allowing it to be managed from mobile devices, including through voice commands. This feature is particularly useful for poorly accessible sites.