Document: NRC Regulatory Guide
Document ID: a094549d-8685-4dad-b90f-c28c7d279a53
Document Type: regulatory_guide
Title: Geologic and Geotechnical Site Characterization Investigations for Nuclear Power Plants + HISTORY – HISTORY 08/2021 – DG-1392 , Proposed Revision 3 07/2014 – Periodic Review of Revision 2 – Reviewed with no issues identified 02/2001 – DG-1101 , Proposed Revision 2 (Rev. 3)
Source: NRC Regulatory Guide Division 1
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML2119/ML21194A176.pdf
Revision Date: 2023-05
Chapter: 
Section ID: RG-1.132
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
properties that could have high consequences if they are not determined properly, or are deemed critical to safe performance of the facility, multiple tests using different methods are recommended to capture uncertainties. (3) Geophysical explorations should be carried out by personnel having the necessary technical background and experience in the techniques used. DG-1392, Page 20 (4) Information related to acquisition of raw and processed field test data (e.g., spacing of data collection locations and instrument settings) should be recorded following applicable standards and quality assurance/quality control procedures to allow for proper interpretation of test results. Selection of the appropriate penetration depths for geophysical investigations shall consider the need for information on site-specific stratigraphy and parameters of the materials encountered for input to analyses of site seismic response, soil-structure interaction, and foundation/structure stability. To properly determine site shear wave velocity profiles, borehole testing methods (e.g., P-S suspension logging and crosshole testing) combined with surface geophysical tests, such as seismic refraction and reflection surveys and spectral analysis of surface wave (SASW) methods (Ref. 25), should be used to cross-check and consolidate test results. Applicable ASTM and American Society of Civil Engineers standards should be used when conducting geophysical investigations. 4.10.2 Surface Geophysics Recommended surface geophysical techniques include seismic methods (e.g., reflection, refraction, and surface wave methods), electrical methods (e.g., resistivity), electromagnetic methods (e.g., ground-penetrating radar), and potential field methods (e.g., gravity and magnetics). Surface geophysical methods can be used to (1) measure shear-wave velocity profiles, (2) determine subsurface geologic conditions such as strata layers and thickness, faults, voids, and underground objects, and (3) derive