Geophysical Testing Services to Expand Our Understanding of a Site
To develop a more complete understanding of the subsurface conditions at a site, BLE supplements drilling and sampling with a variety of geophysical testing methods. These non-destructive test methods facilitate coverage of a much broader area than can be achieved by drilling alone.
BLE’s experienced geotechnical engineers use geophysical surveys, measuring the physical properties of the ground, to determine if there are variations or anomalies in the background readings. When properly interpreted, these anomalies may indicate the presence of underground hazards such as utilities, buried tanks, sinkholes or old landfill material. Geophysical methods are also used to identify the surface of rock and evaluate seismic site classification.
Geophysical Methods for Accurate Subsurface Insights
Our geophysical testing techniques provide in-depth, non-invasive insights for subsurface analysis, offering precise data to support critical planning and risk management across diverse projects.
Geophysical techniques we utilize include:
- Seismic refraction: Maps subsurface density variations to assess foundational stability for construction projects.
- Refraction microtremor: Evaluates soil stiffness and seismic properties to inform risk assessments in seismic zones.
- Electrical resistivity: Detects moisture, groundwater, and contaminants in soil, aiding environmental and geotechnical studies.
- Ground penetrating radar: Locates buried objects and voids, providing high-resolution subsurface images for utility and archaeological investigations.
- Borehole geophysical and video logging: Offers direct visualization of borehole conditions, supporting geological mapping and groundwater assessments.
These advanced techniques support BLE’s geostructural engineering capabilities and provide valuable data for traditional services like foundation analysis and infrastructure design. They also complement our instrumentation and monitoring services, which track ground and structural behavior over time.
Featured Geophysical Testing Project
See below for a completed project where our geophysical testing services provided critical insights for structural planning and site readiness
Explore Geophysical Testing with BLE
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our geophysical testing services can inform your upcoming construction plans.
Geophysical Testing FAQs
What is geophysical testing?
Geophysical testing is a set of non-destructive methods that measure the physical properties of the ground to map subsurface conditions across a much broader area than drilling alone. BLE uses it to identify variations and anomalies that can indicate underground hazards such as utilities, buried tanks, sinkholes, or old landfill material.
Why use geophysical testing instead of drilling?
Drilling and sampling provide detailed data at single points, while geophysical testing covers the area between and around borings. BLE supplements drilling with geophysical surveys to develop a more complete understanding of a site, reduce the risk of missing localized features, and lower the overall cost of subsurface investigation.
What geophysical testing methods does BLE use?
BLE uses seismic refraction to map subsurface density and assess foundation stability, refraction microtremor to evaluate soil stiffness and seismic properties, electrical resistivity to detect moisture, groundwater, and contaminants, ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate buried objects and voids, and borehole geophysical and video logging to visualize borehole conditions.
What underground hazards can geophysical testing detect?
When properly interpreted, geophysical anomalies can indicate underground hazards including buried utilities, buried tanks, sinkholes and voids, and old landfill material. Geophysical methods are also used to identify the surface of rock and evaluate seismic site classification.
What is ground penetrating radar (GPR) used for?
Ground penetrating radar locates buried objects and voids and provides high-resolution subsurface images. BLE uses GPR for utility location and archaeological investigations, as well as broader subsurface analysis where a clear, non-invasive image of shallow features is needed.
How does geophysical testing support a construction project?
Geophysical testing provides precise, non-invasive data that supports critical planning and risk management. The results inform foundation analysis, seismic site classification, and infrastructure design, and feed directly into BLE’s geostructural and traditional geotechnical engineering services so a project starts with a clear picture of site conditions.