Engineering geophysics applies non-invasive geophysical methods to characterize near-surface conditions for civil, structural, and infrastructure projects. It reduces uncertainty, enhances design accuracy, and ensures construction safety..

Key Applications

A. Site Characterization & Stratigraphic Mapping

• Determination of soil/rock layers
• Identification of bedrock depth
• Detection of unconsolidated zones
• Mapping of fill materials and man-made disturbances

B. Foundation Assessment

• Estimation of bearing capacity
• Assessment of rippability
• Detection of cavities, voids, and sinkholes
• Rock quality designation (RQD equivalent using seismic velocities)

C. Infrastructure Integrity Monitoring

• Roads, highways, runways
• Railways & metro tunnels
• Dams, embankments, spillways
• Bridges & pylons
• Storage tanks and pipelines

D. Hazard Detection

• Karst features
• Unstable slopes & landslide-prone areas
• Fault zones and geological discontinuities

Geophysical Methods Commonly Used

• Seismic Refraction / MASW / Microtremor — Shear-wave velocity profiling (Vs30), elastic moduli, rippability
• Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) — Fractures, cavities, moisture zones
• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) — Pavement layers, rebar mapping, utilities
• Microtremor HVSR — Resonance frequency, site amplification
• Magnetics & EM — Buried metallic objects, UXO, landfill mapping
• Gravity — Large voids & density contrasts

Deliverables

• Engineering geophysical reports
• Subsurface models (1D/2D/3D)
• Geotechnical risk maps
• Depth-to-bedrock and stiffness profiles
• Construction suitability recommendations