Geophysical survey
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A geophysical survey is a cost-effective, non-intrusive and relatively efficient means of detecting and assessing sub-surface features. Geophysical surveys are capable of covering large areas at low cost by taking readings between widely spaced borings to detect and locate changes in sub-surface materials or stratification. They are useful for extended sites where conditions are generally favourable and are widely-used in the support of planning applications.
There are a wide variety of geophysical techniques available for measuring different physical properties, with different levels of sensitivity to different types of feature. The site-specific conditions and the type and composition of likely features will determine the suitability of a particular technique.
The most commonly-used geophysical survey techniques:
- Electrical resistivity.
- Seismic refraction and reflection.
- Magnetometry.
- Ground-penetrating radar (GPR).
[edit] Electrical resistivity
Electrical resistivity surveys detect the difference in electrical resistance between different rock or soil types. They are able to detect features such as swallow holes or underground cavities, and analysis of the results can establish the thicknesses and depths of the various sub-strata.
The method involves passing a small electrical current through equally-spaced electrodes on the surface. By varying the electrode centres, the penetration depth can be varied. The recorded differences in relative resistance are used to map features such as voids, ditches, pits and structural features. This is useful in situations where magnetometry is unsuitable, however, it can be more time-consuming and problems can occur if conductors such as pipes and cables are present, as these can make the survey results unreliable.
[edit] Seismic refraction and reflection
Seismic refraction and reflection involves propagating vibrations with a ‘sledgehammer’ and measuring the time taken and the distance covered by the shock waves. Shallow exploration tends to favour the refraction method, whereby seismometers are spaced at increasing distances from the vibration source with the shock waves plotted against a time scale.
The reflection method is suited to exploration depths of greater than 150 m. Both methods are useful for determining the change in soil type and for surveying sites for tunnels, dams and harbour works.
[edit] Magnetometry
Magnetometry is based on measuring the variations in intensity and direction of the earth’s magnetic field and is capable of providing a rapid, detailed assessment of a large area. Anomalies in the vertical component of the earth’s magnetic field can be detected, which can identify and locate underground cavities, building remains, pits, and buried objects such as cables and pipelines.
[edit] Ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
A radar signal is directed at the ground, and the time take for reflection to reach the detector can be used to map the depth of sub-surface features. It can be used for deep objects and can identify small features, but is generally best suited to good ground conditions.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 3D laser survey.
- Alluvium.
- Condition survey.
- Desk study.
- Ecological survey for design and construction.
- Environmental Impact Assessment.
- Geotechnical engineering.
- Ground conditions.
- Ground improvement techniques.
- Ground investigation.
- In situ testing of soils.
- Interferometric synthetic aperture radar InSAR.
- Interview with Elly Ball, co-founder Get Kids into Survey.
- Land surveying.
- Minerals surveyor.
- Preliminary ecological appraisal.
- Radar.
- Soil report.
- Soil survey.
- Subsoil.
- Surveying instruments.
- Testing construction materials.
- Testing pile foundations.
- Thermographic survey of buildings.
- Topsoil.
- Trial pit.
- Types of soil.
- Using satellite imagery to monitor movements in megaprojects.
- Walkover survey.
[edit] External references
- ‘Introduction to Civil Engineering Construction’ (3rd ed.), HOLMES, R., The College of Estate Management (1995)
Featured articles and news
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.