Ultrasonic properties of granular media saturated with dnapl/watermixtures

We present the results of four experiments investigating the ultrasonic properties of granular materials partially saturated with trichloroethylene (TCE), a dense non-aqueous contaminant. P-wave velocity measurements were made under in situ effective stress conditions using a pulse transmission cell...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inGeophysical research letters Vol. 34
Main Authors Ajo-Franklin, J.B., Geller, J.T., Harris, J.M.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 15.09.2007
Subjects
AQUIFERS
GRANULAR MATERIALS
MIXTURES
SATURATION
ULTRASONIC WAVES
VELOCITY
WATER
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:We present the results of four experiments investigating the ultrasonic properties of granular materials partially saturated with trichloroethylene (TCE), a dense non-aqueous contaminant. P-wave velocity measurements were made under in situ effective stress conditions using a pulse transmission cell at ?250 kHz. Two synthetic samples and two natural aquifer cores were fully saturated with water and then subjected to an axial injection of TCE. The resulting measurements show reductions in P-wave velocity of up to 15% due to contaminant saturation. A theoretical model combining Gassmann fluid substitution and Hill's equation was used to estimate the effects of DNAPL saturation; this model underpredicted observed reductions in velocity at high TCE saturations. A linear relationship, expressed in terms of volumetric contaminant fraction, provided an excellent empirical fit to the laboratory measurements.
Bibliography:DE-AC02-05CH11231
LBNL-63041
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2006GL029200