Seismic Refraction Tests Above Water Table

Abstract

The note describes seismic refraction tests above a water table at shallow depth. The depth of water table estimated by the refraction test is always greater than the real level of the water. An interpretation based on the effect of relative displacement between solid and fluid (Biot model) is disregarded. It is shown that this effect is probably due to a nonsaturated zone below the water table. The test is therefore considered a good technique for estimating in situ the saturation ratio below the water table.