Geotechnical Engineering Project Gallery

FREEPORT-MCMORAN SIERRITA MINE - TWIN BUTTE TOWER

A Geotechnical investigations was performed using geophysical testing (seismic refraction study P-Wave and field resistivity), and bulk sampling along the extent of the site. One seismic refraction array at each site was used to evaluate depth to bedrock and rippability at the site. The refraction method included collecting travel times of a compressional (P) wave from a seismic source to a geophone(s) directly through subsurface layers of soil and rock. A 24-channel Geode instrument with 5-foot spacing on the 10-Hertz geophones was laid out in the field. Samples were collected and evaluated for index properties as well as specialized testing for corrosivity and rock strength classification to be used for the tower foundation design.