Integrated Geophysical Survey for Site Investigation at a New Dwelling Area, Egypt

Abstract

An integrated geophysical survey was carried out in a new dwelling area at 15-May town, southeast Cairo, Egypt. The buildings in this area are intensively affected by dangerous cracks that cause structural instability. The survey aimed to image the shallow subsurface structures, including karstic features, and evaluate their extent, as they may cause rock instability and lead to cracking of the residential buildings. Resistivity profiling (2-D), using a dipole-dipole array and ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were carried out along seven parallel traverses extending about [Formula: see text] between the buildings blocks. Additional measurements using a Schlumbereger array and very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) methods were conducted. The acquired data were processed and interpreted integrally to elucidate the shallow structural setting of the site. Integrated interpretation led to the delineation of hazard zones rich with karstic features in the area. Most of these karstic features are associated with vertical and sub-vertical linear features such as faults, fracture zones, and geologic contacts. These features are the main reason of the rock instability that resulted in potentially dangerous cracking of residential buildings.