Determination of Seismic Site Class and Potential Geologic Hazards using Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves(MASW) at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Geophysical investigation activities were conducted at ICAD-II, Abu Dhabi, UAE using Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) to determine subsurface geology , material stiffness, potential weak zones down to ~35 m depth, and to propose the appropriate seismic site classification for a proper foundation design. A total of 20 MASW lines were carried out over a grid layout of 5 m spacing. Data acquisition, processing and inversion have been parameterised and selected to produce shear velocities that represent subsurface conditions. The estimated average shear-wavevelocity (Vs30 = 577.97 m/s) suggests that the investigated site can be classified as Class C (V.D. Soil & Soft Rock). The constructed geological model comprises sand, weak sandstone, weak mudstone, and hard mudstone. Analysing the shear wave velocities indicates the absence of apparent cavities/ hazardous zone . However, a relatively weak layer of sandstone/mudstone rocks intercalations was detected from ~7m to ~25m. Meanwhile, the uncorrelated part of 2D MASW data indicates potentially harder mudstone encountered at a depth starting from ~25 m to >35 m. Hence, the foundation layer may be placed on the upper surface of the sandstone bed (~7 m) depending on the height and load of the proposed building and following the construction standards and requirements of the structural engineer.