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Geotechnical Surveys
Geotechnical And Groundwater Surveys Specialized Techniques:
Acoustic Televiewer
for downhole structural analysis, borehole deviation control to ensure correct drilling, and shallow surface surveys using methods such as Resistivity Profiling, Refraction, MASW and NanoTEM, which can be used to gather information about the shallow subsurface. These techniques can help to identify subsurface structures, and potential hazards, such as soil layers, rock formations, groundwater, sinkholes and subsidence.
Downhole structural analysis surveys
such as Acoustic Televiewer, can be used in groundwater surveys to gather information about the subsurface’s structure and the groundwater’s location. The Acoustic Televiewer uses high-frequency acoustic waves to create images of the borehole wall, which can be used to identify fractures, bedding planes, and other features in the subsurface that may indicate the presence of groundwater.
Borehole deviation control
is also important in groundwater surveys as it ensures that boreholes are drilled in the correct location and at the correct angle. This can help to ensure that the boreholes reach the target aquifers and that the water samples collected are representative of the subsurface conditions.
Shallow surface surveys
such as resistivity profiling, refraction, MASW, and NanoTEM, can also be used in groundwater surveys to gather information about the shallow subsurface, typically within the first few meters of the ground surface. These techniques can be used to identify subsurface structures, such as soil layers, rock formations, and groundwater, as well as to detect potential hazards such as sinkholes and subsidence that could affect groundwater resources.
Data interpretation:
Data interpretation of downhole structural analysis surveys, borehole deviation control, and shallow surface surveys for groundwater surveys typically involves the following steps:
- Downhole structural analysis surveys, such as Acoustic Televiewer, are used to create images of the borehole wall, which are then interpreted to identify fractures, bedding planes, and other features in the subsurface that may indicate the presence of groundwater.
- Borehole deviation control data is typically used to ensure that the boreholes are drilled in the correct location and at the correct angle. This data can be used to identify any deviation from the planned borehole trajectory and to correct it.
- Shallow surface surveys, such as resistivity profiling, refraction, MASW and NanoTEM, are used to gather information about the shallow subsurface, typically within the first few meters of the ground surface. The data collected from these surveys is interpreted to identify subsurface structures, such as soil layers, rock formations, and groundwater, as well as to detect potential hazards such as sinkholes and subsidence that could affect the groundwater resources.
Data Limitations:
Downhole structural analysis surveys
such as Acoustic Televiewer, have a limited depth of investigation, typically less than a few hundred meters, and may not be able to image the entire subsurface structure. Additionally, the images produced by Acoustic Televiewer can be affected by borehole conditions such as deviation or collapse.
Borehole deviation control
is important in all types of landscapes, but the precision of the drilling is limited by the equipment used and the skill of the driller. The deviation of the boreholes can also be affected by subsurface conditions such as rock formations, boulders or soil type.
Shallow surface surveys
can provide good results for shallow subsurface characterization, but their resolution decreases with depth, and they can be affected by surface topography and vegetation. For example, resistivity profiling is affected by the presence of clay or saltwater in the subsurface, refraction can be affected by the presence of boulders or rock formations, and MASW can be affected by the presence of vegetation or buildings
FAQs
What is included in the geotechnical investigation?
A geotechnical investigation collects and analyzes data about the soil and rock beneath a site. It typically includes the following steps:
- Site reconnaissance: A preliminary visit to the site is conducted to assess the general geology, topography, and accessibility of the site, as well as to identify any potential hazards.
- Soil and rock sampling: Soil and rock samples are collected from the site using drilling or excavating test holes, and are then analyzed to determine the soil and rock types and their properties, such as strength, compressibility, and permeability.
- In-situ testing: In-situ tests are performed on site to evaluate the properties of soil and rock, such as Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Test (DCP), Plate Load Test (PLT), etc.
- Laboratory testing: Soil and rock samples are analyzed in a laboratory to determine their properties, such as grain size, density, and strength.
- Data analysis and interpretation: The data collected during the investigation is analyzed and interpreted to create a detailed profile of the subsurface conditions, including the soil and rock types, their properties, and the potential hazards.
- Report preparation: A report is prepared that summarizes the findings of the investigation, including the site conditions, soil and rock properties, potential hazards, and recommendations for design and construction.
Is a geotechnical report the same as a soil test?
A geotechnical report is a document that summarizes the findings of a geotechnical investigation. It includes information about the site conditions, soil and rock types, and their properties, as well as any potential hazards. The report also includes recommendations for design and construction based on the subsurface conditions.
A soil test, on the other hand, is a specific type of testing that is performed on soil samples to determine certain properties, such as strength, compressibility, and permeability. Soil tests are one of many types of tests that are conducted as a part of a geotechnical investigation, but not all geotechnical reports include soil testing results. Geotechnical reports may include in-situ testing, laboratory testing and other type of testing as well as soil testing.
In summary, a geotechnical report is a document that summarizes the findings of a geotechnical investigation, including information about site conditions, soil and rock types, and potential hazards. A soil test is a specific type of testing that is performed on soil samples to determine certain properties. A geotechnical report may include soil test results, but it also includes other types of testing and information.
How is a geotechnical survey performed?
A geotechnical survey collects and analyzes data about the soil and rock beneath a site to determine their properties and behavior. The exact methods used to perform a geotechnical survey will depend on the site conditions and the objectives of the survey, but generally, it includes the following steps:
- Site reconnaissance: A preliminary visit to the site is conducted to assess the general geology, topography, and accessibility of the site, as well as to identify any potential hazards.
- Soil and rock sampling: Soil and rock samples are collected from the site using drilling or excavating test holes, and are then analyzed to determine the soil and rock types and their properties, such as strength, compressibility, and permeability.
- In-situ testing: In-situ tests are performed on-site to evaluate the properties of soil and rock, such as Standard Penetration Test (SPT), Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Test (DCP), Plate Load Test (PLT), etc.
- Laboratory testing: Soil and rock samples are analyzed in a laboratory to determine their properties, such as grain size, density, and strength.
- Data analysis and interpretation: The data collected during the survey is analyzed and interpreted to create a detailed profile of the subsurface conditions, including the soil and rock types, their properties, and the potential
What’s the Difference Between a Geotechnical Investigation and a Geophysical Survey?
A geotechnical investigation and a geophysical survey are both used to gather information about the subsurface conditions of a site, but they use different methods and techniques to do so.
Geotechnical Investigation:
- Geotechnical investigation is collecting and analyzing data about the soil and rock beneath a site. It typically involves drilling or excavating test holes, taking soil and rock samples, and measuring soil and rock properties.
- The goal of the geotechnical investigation is to determine the soil and rock types, as well as their properties, such as strength, compressibility, and permeability. This information is used to design foundations, embankments, and other structures that are safe and stable, and to identify potential hazards such as landslides, liquefaction, and settlement.
Geophysical Survey:
- A geophysical survey is a process of collecting and analyzing data about the subsurface conditions of a site using non-invasive techniques. It typically involves measuring the physical properties of the subsurface, such as electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, and ground-penetrating radar.
- The goal of the geophysical survey is to create a detailed image of the subsurface structure, including the distribution of different subsurface materials such as rock, soil, and water. It can also be used to identify the location and characteristics of any groundwater that may be present and to identify potential hazards such as sinkholes and subsidence.