A Multi-Regional Power-Law Model for Geoelectric-Mechanical Site Characterization
Authors
Civil Engineering Department University of Sierra Leaone Freetown Sierra Leone (Sierra Leone)
Department of Civil, Mining and Process Engineering, School of Engineering, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia (Sierra Leone)
Innovative Solutions Consultancy, SL LTD (Sierra Leone)
Article Information
DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS.2026.110400180
Subject Category: Geophysics
Volume/Issue: 11/4 | Page No: 2389-2397
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-04-25
Accepted: 2026-04-30
Published: 2026-05-19
Abstract
Preliminary geotechnical characterization for large-scale infrastructure projects is often hindered by the high cost and logistical constraints of intrusive borehole drilling. This study proposes a robust, non-invasive methodology to estimate the allowable bearing capacity (qa) using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) resistivity (ƥ).
Keywords
Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES); Bearing Capacity; Power-Law Model
Downloads
References
1. Archie, G. E. (1942). The electrical resistivity log as an aid in determining some reservoir characteristics. Transactions of the AIME, 146(01), 54-62. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. Terzaghi, K. (1943). Theoretical Soil Mechanics. John Wiley & Sons, New York. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Keller, G. V., & Frischknecht, F. C. (1966). Electrical Methods in Geophysical Prospecting. Pergamon Press, Oxford. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Rogers, C. D., et al. (1994). The Engineering Geology of Loess. Taylor & Francis. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Loke, M. H. (2004). Tutorial: 2-D and 3-D electrical imaging surveys. Geotomo Software. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Bell, F. G. (2007). Engineering Geology. 2nd Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Siddiqui, F. I., & Osman, A. S. (2012). Correlation between subsurface geoelectrical resistivity and SPT blow counts. International Journal of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 12(01). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Yousif, I. A., & Al-Areini, A. A. (2012). Integrated geophysical and geotechnical investigations for foundation design in Kuwait. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 80, 112-120. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. Giao, P. H., et al. (2003). Piezocone tests and electrical resistivity surveys for characterizing a soft marine clay in the Mekong Delta. Engineering Geology, 70(1-2), 159-171. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
10. Kibria, G., & Hossain, M. S. (2012). Investigation of geotechnical parameters of compacted clays using electrical resistivity. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering, 30(1), 235-251. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
11. Cosenza, P., et al. (2006). Relationship between electrical resistivity and hydraulic conductivity in unsaturated compacted clays. Water Resources Research, 42(4). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
12. Abderrahman, W. A., et al. (1991). Electrical resistivity surveys in the crystalline basement of Saudi Arabia. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 13(3-4), 435-441. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
13. Acworth, R. I. (1987). The development of crystalline basement aquifers in a tropical environment. Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, 20(4), 265-272. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
14. Al-Amri, A. M. (1998). Geophysical investigations of the crystalline rocks of the Arabian Shield. Journal of King Saud University-Science, 10(1), 15-32. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
15. Bery, A. A., & Saad, R. (2012). Correlation of seismic P-wave velocities and soil engineering properties for tropical environmental study. International Journal of Geosciences, 3, 755-764. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
16. Dahlin, T. (2001). The development of DC resistivity imaging techniques. Computers & Geosciences, 27(9), 1019-1029. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
17. Everett, M. E. (2013). Near-Surface Applied Geophysics. Cambridge University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
18. Gunn, D. A., et al. (2015). Moisture monitoring in clay embankments using electrical resistivity tomography. Construction and Building Materials, 92, 82-94. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
19. Long, M., et al. (2012). Use of electrical resistivity to assess the effects of saline pore water on the engineering properties of Norwegian marine clays. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 49(12), 1410-1420. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
20. Sudha, K., et al. (2009). Soil characterization using electrical resistivity tomography and borehole data. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 67(2), 153-161. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
21. Vanhala, I. (1997). Laboratory resistivity measurements of sand-clay mixtures at low frequencies. Geophysical Prospecting, 45(6), 931-954. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
22. Zulqharnain, M., et al. (2021). Estimation of soil strength parameters from electrical resistivity for preliminary foundation design. Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 14, 1-12. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
23. Orellana, E., & Mooney, H. M. (1966). Master Tables and Curves for Vertical Electrical Sounding over Layered Structures. Interciencia, Madrid. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
24. Reynolds, J. M. (2011). An Introduction to Applied and Environmental Geophysics. John Wiley & Sons. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
25. Ward, S. H. (1990). Geotechnical and Environmental Geophysics. Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Geophysical Investigation for Marl Exploration Using Vertical Electrical Sounding in Akpokponke Ibii Afikpo Southeast Nigeria
- Logging Data-Driven Geomechanical Parameter Estimation Using Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
- Seismic Refraction Tomography for Engineering Site Characterization in Awka, Southeastern Nigeria
- Design of a Competency Framework for BIM-Based Collaboration among Construction Professionals in Delta State
- Aeromagnetic Investigation of the Subsurface Sturctures in Parts of Niger Delta, Nigeria