Engineering applications of seismic refraction method: A field example at Wadi Wardan, Northeast Gulf of Suez, Sinai, Egypt

Fourteen shallow seismic refraction profiles were conducted in Wadi Wardan, northeast Gulf of Suez, Sinai to delineate some of the shallow soil engineering characteristics for construction purposes. Both compressional (P) and shear (S) waves were acquired and interpreted using Generalized Reciprocal Method (GRM) then the resulted velocity-depth model is verified using a Finite Difference (FD) method to improve the final velocity-depth model. A number of engineering parameters such as Concentration Index, Material Index, Density Gradient, and Stress Ratios are calculated. The seismic velocity values, engineering, consolidation, and strength parameters show that the bedrock at northern and southern parts of the study area is characterized by less competent rock quality, while the central part is characterized by more competent rock quality. Hence, the central part is suggested for construction activities.