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IS 13372:2000 (Part 2) is the Indian Standard (BIS) for seismic testing of rock mass, part 2: between the borehole. This standard details the procedure for cross-hole seismic testing to determine the in-situ dynamic properties of rock masses. It covers the required equipment, test execution, and the computation of P-wave and S-wave velocities, Dynamic Young's Modulus, and Poisson's Ratio from the collected data.
Code of practice for seismic testing of rock mass, Part 2: Between the borehole
Standard Test Methods for Downhole Seismic Testing
Defines procedures for measuring P- and S-wave velocities in soil and rock using a down-hole seismic survey.
ISRM (1981)International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM), International
HighCurrent
Suggested Methods for Seismic Testing Within and Between Boreholes
A foundational guidance document providing detailed methodology for in-situ seismic velocity tests, including the down-hole method.
JGS 1121-2013Japanese Geotechnical Society (JGS), Japan
HighCurrent
Test Method for PS Logging
Specifies the procedure for measuring P-wave and S-wave velocities in the ground using boreholes, often termed PS logging.
Key Differences
≠IS 13372 is titled specifically for 'rock mass', whereas modern standards like ASTM D7400 explicitly cover both soil and rock materials.
≠ASTM D7400 strongly recommends the use of a three-component geophone receiver, while IS 13372 describes using separate vertically and horizontally oriented single-component geophones.
≠The Indian standard is more general in its description of data acquisition and processing, whereas ASTM D7400 provides more detailed guidance on arrival time picking, filtering, and identifying potential sources of error.
≠IS 13372 describes both up-hole and down-hole methods in detail, while ASTM D7400 is focused solely on the down-hole method, which is the more common practice today.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the same fundamental principle of measuring the travel time of seismic waves between a source and receivers at known locations to determine velocity.
≈The primary objective across all standards is the in-situ determination of compression (P-wave) and shear (S-wave) velocities to calculate dynamic elastic properties like Shear Modulus, Young's Modulus, and Poisson's ratio.
≈The method for generating S-waves is highly similar, typically involving striking a weighted plank or beam horizontally on the ground surface to create shear energy.
≈All standards emphasize the critical need for good coupling between the borehole casing (if used) and the surrounding rock/soil mass, recommending thorough grouting to ensure accurate wave transmission.
≈The formula for calculating interval velocity, V = (Depth2 - Depth1) / (Time2 - Time1), is identical across all the standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Test Interval (Receiver Spacing)
Generally 1 m to 3 m.
Typically 1 m or 2 m (3 ft or 5 ft).
ASTM D7400 - 19
Recommended Geophone Frequency
Natural frequency in the range of 5 Hz to 20 Hz.
Typically 4.5 Hz to 14 Hz, but must be appropriate for the site materials and desired resolution.
ASTM D7400 - 19
Number of Receiver Components
Separate vertical geophone (for P-wave) and horizontal geophone (for S-wave).
A single receiver with a minimum of three-component motion sensors (one vertical, two orthogonal horizontal).
ASTM D7400 - 19
S-Wave Source Polarity Reversal
Recommended to strike the plank from opposite sides to help identify S-wave arrival.
Required. The S-wave source must be struck on both ends to reverse the polarity of the recorded shear wave.
ASTM D7400 - 19
Borehole Casing Requirement
Preferably uncased. If cased, it shall be properly grouted to the rock mass.
Casing must be bonded (grouted) to the surrounding material. PVC casing is preferred over steel.
What is the primary purpose of a cross-hole seismic test?+
To determine the in-situ dynamic elastic properties of a rock mass, such as P-wave and S-wave velocities, for engineering design, especially for dams, tunnels, and powerhouses.
What are the main parameters derived from this test?+
Compressional (P-wave) and Shear (S-wave) velocities are measured directly. These are then used to compute Dynamic Young's Modulus, Shear Modulus, and Poisson's Ratio (Clause 6).
How is the test performed?+
An energy source is activated in one borehole and the arrival time of seismic waves is recorded by receivers (geophones/hydrophones) in one or more adjacent boreholes (Clause 5).