Subsurface characterization using near surface geophysical methods for Investigating raising groundwater level at SQU, Oman

Muscat providence (including SQU) has experienced a significant shallow groundwater table rise in recent years. The presence of potential quick clays at SQU?s campus is confirmed in several geotechnical investigations and their effects are witness in many building including the College of Agriculture and Marine Science. Shallow groundwater can lead to an increased likelihood of groundwater contamination and increase the potential of basement flooding. Expansive clay is prone to large volume changes (swelling and shrinking) and can cause damage to building foundations and slabs. The dissolution of carbonate rocks in the near surface can create weak zones and subsurface cavities. This can directly influence the ability of the rock to support overlying constructions and buildings and result in cracking or even collapse of buildings. The new dam constructed near the university might rise more the groundwater levels in the area. A number of areas inside the university campus witnessed a groundwater rising. Potential sources contributes to this groundwater rise including excessive irrigation, water leak, rainfall, etc. Further rise in groundwater level would threaten the integrity of SQU foundations and infrastructures. Similar issues were observed in many areas in Oman and in the gulf region with similar geological conditions and rock nature. The prime objective of site characterization is to enhance the life of civil structures and to prevent any human or natural hazards. The site characterization will be carried out using near-surface geophysical methods include Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT), Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). The study aims to investigate the possible occurrence of weak zones resulted from rising groundwater level and characterize some selected sites inside the SQU campus in terms of their consolidation, stiffness, fluid content (type and saturation), among other properties. The study will be a kind of guide that can be followed and expanded for other sites in the campus or elsewhere in Oman. At later stage of the project, the results will be incorporated to build a risk map that demonstrate high and low risk zones for future land use.