Impaktorverfahren

Impaktorverfahren refers to a group of geotechnical investigation methods used to determine the dynamic properties of soil and rock layers. These methods are based on the principle of generating a controlled impact and measuring the resulting wave propagation through the ground. By analyzing the travel time and attenuation of these seismic waves, engineers can infer characteristics such as shear wave velocity, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio.

Typically, an impaktorverfahren involves a source that creates a mechanical impulse, such as a falling weight or a hammer strike, on the ground surface. Geophones or accelerometers are strategically placed at various distances from the impact point to record the ground motion. The data collected by these sensors is then processed using specialized software to generate seismic profiles. These profiles can reveal the layering of subsurface materials and their stiffness.

Impaktorverfahren is particularly useful for site characterization in infrastructure projects like bridges, buildings, and tunnels. It is a relatively rapid and cost-effective method compared to some other geophysical techniques. However, its effectiveness can be influenced by factors such as soil uniformity and the presence of noise. The results are best interpreted by experienced geotechnical engineers who can correlate the dynamic properties with the static behavior of the soil.