Ground Vibrations Near Explosions

Citation

Howell, Benjamin Franklin, Jr. (1949) Ground Vibrations Near Explosions. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/3SC3-Y537. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01152008-110555

Abstract

Records are shown of the three components of ground vibration taken at distances out to 3284 meters following small explosions of dynamite about ten meters underground. The apparatus used to record this motion is described, and its limitations discussed. The refracted compressional waves recorded are used to calculate roughly the thickness of the near surface layers. Three principal dispersed waves are recognized and described. It is shown that two of these do not behave like any well known type of wave motion. It is pointed out that this is not surprising since the near surface material is probably neither homogeneous nor elastic and these conditions are required by the classical theories. The third dispersed wave is shown to closely resemble a modified Rayleigh wave. Three published theories of such modified motion are reviewed and compared with the observations. The recorded data are also compared with other similar records copies of which have been published.

Item Type:

Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))

Subject Keywords:

Geophysics and Geology

Degree Grantor:

California Institute of Technology

Division:

Geological and Planetary Sciences

Major Option:

Geophysics

Minor Option:

Geology

Thesis Availability:

Public (worldwide access)

Research Advisor(s):

Gutenberg, Beno

Thesis Committee:

Unknown, Unknown

Defense Date:

1 January 1949

Additional Information:

The author wrote two Ph.D. theses: 1. Ground Vibrations Near Explosions 2. Structural Geology of the Region Between Pacoima and Little Tujunga Canyons, San Gabriel Mountains, California. Supplemental Files Information: Chart I – Records of ground motion at distances out to 1711 meters: Supplement 1 from "Ground vibrations near explosions" (Thesis). Chart II – Records of ground motion at 2106 and 2259 meters: Supplement 2 from "Ground vibrations near explosions" (Thesis). Chart III – Record of ground motion at 3284 meters: Supplement 3 from "Ground vibrations near explosions" (Thesis). Chart IV – Arrival times of P, X, C and R pulses: Supplement 4 from "Ground vibrations near explosions" (Thesis). Chart V – Arrival times of H pulses: Supplement 5 from "Ground vibrations near explosions" (Thesis). Chart VI – Ground velocity during the arrival of R at 1493 meters from an explosion: Supplement 6 from "Ground vibrations near explosions" (Thesis). Chart VII – Arrival times of T pulses: Supplement 7 from "Ground vibrations near explosions" (Thesis).

Record Number:

CaltechETD:etd-01152008-110555

Persistent URL:

https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-01152008-110555

DOI:

10.7907/3SC3-Y537

Related URLs:

URL	URL Type	Description
https://doi.org/10.22002/D1.986	DOI	Supplement 1 in CaltechDATA: Chart I – Records of ground motion at distances out to 1711 meters
https://doi.org/10.22002/D1.987	DOI	Supplement 2 in CaltechDATA: Chart II – Records of ground motion at 2106 and 2259 meters
https://doi.org/10.22002/D1.988	DOI	Supplement 3 in CaltechDATA: Chart III – Record of ground motion at 3284 meters
https://doi.org/10.22002/D1.989	DOI	Supplement 4 in CaltechDATA: Chart IV – Arrival times of P, X, C and R pulses
https://doi.org/10.22002/D1.990	DOI	Supplement 5 in CaltechDATA: Chart V – Arrival times of H pulses
https://doi.org/10.22002/D1.991	DOI	Supplement 6 in CaltechDATA: Chart VI – Ground velocity during the arrival of R at 1493 meters from an explosion
https://doi.org/10.22002/D1.992	DOI	Supplement 7 in CaltechDATA: Chart VII – Arrival times of T pulses