Seismic Refraction and Cross-Hole Techniques for Investigate the Top Soil and Water Table Beneath the High Pumping Station Hall of Al-Hussian water Supply Station, Kerbala, Iraq

Abstract

The present study aims to investigate the possible causes of cracks, in the walls of buildings and storage tanks, in Al-Hussian water project of Kerbalaa city. Eight seismic refraction profiles and seven cross-hole sections were made to investigate the pumping station hall in the studied site. Two refractors were obtained. The first one is at depth range 1–2.5 meters, which coincides with the water table level and base of foundation (two meters below the ground level). The second refractor is depending on cross-hole results of depth range 4- 4.5 meters; which confirms to the top of the dense sand layer. It is believed that water seepage from broken pipes and its infiltration through the soil play the great role in washing the soil and changing the water table level from one point to others. The differential washing of soil causes differential settlement beneath the buildings which is appears as cracks at the walls.