Geophysical Surveys in Engineering Geology Investigations With Field Examples

Abstract

This chapter focusses on geophysical survey techniques, employed in engineering geological investigations and it includes case studies. Goal of a geophysical study in an engineering geological research is to display discontinuities in the rock masses, physico-mechanical properties of soils and rocks, groundwater exploration, faults, landslides, etc. It is also helpful to learn type and thickness of soil, layer inclination. These techniques include engineering geological surface mapping, geotechnical drilling and in situ testing.Then the obtained geophysical field data are analyzed and interpreted in conjunction with the results of geological information.The most common geophysical methods namely seismic, magnetometric, vertical electrical sounding (VES), Very Low Frequency (VLF) Electromagnetics methods, ground penetration radar (GPR) provide sufficient information about the subsurface although they have their limitations, setting up the minimum tests requirements in relation to the type of the geological formations.