Geophysics is a cost-efficient way to gain a broad knowledge of what to expect in the ground across a large area. By studying the ground and geological features using physical laws and principles we can build the perfect base to optimize invasive surveys (like bores, CPT, etc) by designing these in a more targeted way.
Our team can combine geophysics with intrusive methods in order to provide our clients with the optimum amount of information in a cost-effective package.
The comprehensive list of the technical services we can provide includes:
Determination of geology and geological structures/features
Location of voids for foundation designs or H & S assessments
Transportation infrastructure assessment
Dam and embankment investigations for stability and integrity
Groundwater contamination mapping
Contamination land mapping, leak detection and monitoring
Soil resistivity profiling for grounding safety design
Detection of reinforcing bars in concrete superstructures
Detection of buried metallic objects, like drums filled with contaminants or unexploded ammunition
Archaeological surveys
Forensic applications
Applied Geophysics is the non-intrusive study of the ground conditions and it’s geological features pertaining at a site under development. By using state of the art equipment, our suitably trained geophysicists are in a position to deliver area-wide information for a complete picture of your site. This non-invasive method of ground investigation, combined with other available information about the ground (like geological maps, drill cores, existing reports, etc), provides an excellent starting point for any invasive investigation. Since geophysics is an indirect method of ground investigation (no drilling or excavating is necessary) it can provide information on the ground for larger areas, whereas the direct intrusive methods (like boreholes or CPT) can provide point specific information.
We can offer you in-depth knowledge of your site from the start of your project. Obtaining a complete picture of the ground conditions at a site with our area-wide geophysical services can save valuable time and resources. Knowing what you really deal with across your site (as opposed to point locations only) can minimize the risks of overly conservative or potentially unsafe designs. We capture that data and translate the information gained from a geophysical survey into a format that is relevant to your needs.
Our team are able to combine geophysics with intrusive methods in order to provide our clients with the optimum amount of information in a cost-effective package. That’s where our sister company Geocivil come in. Our great relationship means that our professionals are experienced in the process of invasive ground testing and are able to give your project an effective and timely solution.
When should geophysical surveys be performed?
Theoretically geophysical surveys can be performed for any project that requires information of the ground (e.g. geology, groundwater table depth, hidden features) or man-made structures (e.g. concrete voids and rebar location, cracks). Using geophysics is a great idea for projects that carry high risks in terms of health & safety or expected significant ground variation. If you are unsure, just get in touch with our team and they will provide you with all the information you need to decide.
What is involved in the planning of a geophysical survey?
We plan our geophysical surveys by working closely with our clients. This means gathering local and regional geological information, determining specific site conditions and site access, discussing the objectives of the survey and how the geophysical information will be used and its format. We inform about the methods and their limitations in the detailed proposals to our clients so everyone is on the same page from the start. All it takes to get the process started is a quick phone call or email.
Do I need a qualified geophysicist to perform a geophysical survey?
Geophysical surveys require detailed knowledge of how the methods work (or don’t work). It is absolutely necessary to have a qualified geophysicist involved in the survey design and planning, processing of the data and their interpretation. Although the site investigation itself can be carried out by suitably qualified non-geophysicist personnel, it is a good idea to have a geophysicist or someone with a lot of experience in carrying out geophysical fieldwork on-site for data quality assurance. After all the principle of “garbage in, garbage out” strongly applies to geophysical surveys.
Geophysical testing allows us to obtain a wealth of information about the ground below a site.
Start of a project
in the absence of any previous ground investigation, what lies below our feet is like a big black box.
Invasive geotechnical stage of a project
Drilling a borehole or obtaining CPT’s. handaugers or test pits will provide accurate ground information at specific point locations. The rest of the ground is still widely unknown terrain.
Non-invasive geophysical stage of a project
A couple of geophysical profiles will complement invasive investigations by providing larger-scale ground information and variations.
Find out how Cook Costello can help.