Geoelectric Evaluation of Soil Foundation Utilizing Electrical Resistivity Tomography at West Gulf of Suez, Al-Ain Al Sokhna, Egypt

Abstract

To evaluate the subsurface layers and geological structures for construction in one of the tourist areas in Egypt, the geoelectrical survey was used, represented by the 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). The geoelectrical survey includes 16 ERT profiles that have been conducted by using the Winner electrode array with twenty electrodes connected to a multi-core cable. The electrode spacing (a) varies between 4 and 6 meters to investigate a depth of around twenty meters, and the length of the ERT profiles varies from 76 to 114 meters depending on the electrode spacing difference and the field's available space. Through the geoelectric results that are confirmed by drilling of six boreholes, five geoelectric layers were identified, in addition to six faults inferred from the geoelectrical results. These faults are concentrated in the north of the research area. Shale and shaly-sand layers were among the examined geoelectric layers that were found on a small scale in the research region. Because of the major impact that these layers have on buildings, it was advised that the required engineering solutions be developed for these layers.