Subsurface Diagnosis Method for Undergrounds Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing with Ambient Noise Tomography
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21467/proceedings.8.2.18Keywords:
Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), Time-lapse monitoring, Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT)Abstract
The development of urban underground space in Karst regions is significantly challenged by hidden geological hazards. Conventional borehole investigations are identified as costly, destructive, and spatially sparse, while traditional seismic arrays often lack the density required for fine-scale urban imaging. In this study, using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) for ambient noise tomography is a cost-effective and non-invasive method that can be used for detailed site characterization and dynamic engineering monitoring. To ensure high-resolution imaging of shallow stratigraphy, a comprehensive variable-aperture sub-array segmentation strategy for Common Midpoint (CMP) gathering is implemented, effectively optimizing data utilization from the DAS array. This integrated workflow was validated through a field experiment in a Karst area of Shenzhen, China, conducted before and after ground grouting improvement. The field results demonstrate that: (1) the DAS-derived velocity structure exhibits high consistency with borehole information and co-located nodal seismometers, confirming that DAS effectively bridges information gaps between discrete borehole sites as a reliable auxiliary exploration tool; (2) time-lapse monitoring quantitatively captures the ground improvement effect induced by the grouting operation, visualizing a substantial increase in shear-wave velocity from approximately 200 m/s to 300 m/s, which corresponds to grout slurry diffusion and soil solidification. These findings confirm that DAS tomography provides a rapid, economical, and quantitative solution for evaluating ground improvement, offering significant value for the lifecycle risk management of urban underground projects.
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