DOWNHOLE SEISMIC REFRACTION SURVEY OF WEATHERED LAYER CHARACTERISTICS IN ESCRAVOS, NIGERIA

The problem of datum correction in seismic surveys and the failures associated with civil engineering structures with specific reference to roads and buildings has been attributed to lack of understanding of the soil structure among others. This is why this survey on downhole seismic refraction was conducted from nine borehole locations in Escravos, Nigeria to determine the weathered layer characteristics of the area. In carrying out this study, the McSeis 160MX instrument was employed in recording data obtained from a set of hydrophones arranged in a definite manner in each of the boreholes. The data were analysed graphically by using the seismic refraction interpretation techniques. Results of interpretation indicate that the velocity of the weathered layer ranged between 454 and 533 m sec^-1 with an average value of 495 m sec^-1. The results also revealed that the depth of the weathered layer ranged between 2.91 and 4.41 m with an average value of 3.68 m. Analysis of the results revealed that the depth and velocity of the weathered layer increased downward towards the southern part of the study area. This is an indication that the weathered layer sloped downward to the south. It is recommended that shots for seismic survey should be located at a depth of 4.41 m to eliminate the effects associated with the low velocity layer. It is also recommended that construction of heavy buildings and roads especially bridges should have their foundations laid to a depth of 4.41 m to enable the infrastructure sit on the consolidated layer.