Contribution of electrical tomography methods in geotechnical investigations at Mavropigi lignite open pit mine, Northern Greece

Hamdan Hamdan, Nikos Andronikidis, George Kritikakis, Nikos Economou, Zacharias Agioutantis, Paul Schilizzi, Chrysanthos Steiakakis, Christodoulos Papageorgiou, Panagiotis Tsourlos, George Vargemezis, Antonis Vafidis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper, the application of 2D and 3D electrical resistivity methods in geotechnical investigations is explored through a case study in Northern Greece. These two methods were employed at a lignite surface mining operation where fracture zones and discontinuities have been recently observed close to the pit boundaries. The main aim of the geophysical survey was to estimate the inclination of the contact between the Neogene and Schist/Carbonate formations near the southern limits of the pit, as well as to estimate the thickness of the carbonate rocks on top of the Schist formations to evaluate the stability of the southern slopes. Synthetic data were initially generated to help plan an efficient electrical tomography survey, in a region with complex geology and irregular terrain. Three configurations (Wenner-Schlumberger and dipole-dipole or pole-dipole) proved essential in such conditions and helped improving the resolution of the resistivity section. The sections were then calibrated by boreholes. Finally, the geophysical survey provided invaluable data regarding the geometry of the bedrock and possible faults, which was essential for the slope stability calculations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1589-1598
Number of pages10
JournalEnvironmental Earth Sciences
Volume72
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2014

Keywords

  • 2D and 3D Electrical tomography
  • Geotechnical investigation
  • Mavropigi
  • Slope stability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Global and Planetary Change
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Water Science and Technology
  • Soil Science
  • Pollution
  • Geology
  • Earth-Surface Processes

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