Geophysical Surveying
The Fun Fact Friday post for this week will take a look at Geophysical Surveying. Geophysical Surveying falls under the category of mechanical integrity. Geophysical Surveying allows for subsurface investigations without disturbing or damaging the ground’s surface. The main purpose of performing a Geophysical Survey is to determine what kind of unknown objects may lie underground. Some methods of conducting Geophysical Surveys include using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Magnetometers, and Electromagnetic Conductivity and Resistance Meters.
Geophysical Surveying is commonly used for locating underground storage tanks and utilities, delineation of rock layers, and soil resistivity and conductivity testing. The non-destructive nature of Geophysical Surveying eliminates the risk of damaging utility lines or other objects during the excavation phase of the client’s project.
Encorus Group recently performed Geophysical Surveying at the West Valley Demonstration Project to find buried lines and other objects before the installation of a new gas line on site. The Encorus staff utilized a GPR unit, a Magnetic Flux meter, which was used to detect metal objects, and a Radio Utility Locator, which uses sound waves to locate objects under the ground. Based on the results from the survey, the client was able to determine the best route and area to drill for the installation of the new gas line.
If you or your company requires Geophysical Surveying services, contact Director of Mechanical Integrity, Keith Taylor at 716.592.3980 ext 143 or at ktaylor@encorus.com.
