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GEOPHYSICS TO SUPPORT ARCHAEOLOGY

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SEISMIC METHODS

We offer a full suite of seismic testing methods to meet any client needs, which include the following:

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  • Seismic Refraction - for depth to bedrock, soil and bedrock seismic velocities, rippability of rock, sedimentary layering.  ASTM D5777.

  • Seismic Reflection - for depth to bedrock, mapping different bedrock layers.  ASTM D7128.

  • Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) - for depth to bedrock, void detection, shear wave velocity of soil and rock, seismic site classification (Vs30).  NBCC 2020.

  • Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) - for soil and bedrock velocities and engineering properties (Elastic Modulus, Shear Modulus, Young's Modulus), seismic site classification (Vs30).  NBCC 2020.

  • Seismic Crosshole Testing and Tomography  - for soil and bedrock velocities and engineering properties (Elastic Modulus, Shear Modulus, Young's Modulus, material damping), seismic site classification (Vs30) and profiling of material between boreholes, including voids.  NBCC 2020.

  • Parallel Seismic Testing - to determine depth of deep foundation walls, piles, and caissons.  ASTM D8381.

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ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY

We offer a full suite of electrical resistivity testing methods to meet any client needs, which include the following:

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  • Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT/ERI) - can be performed using both 2D and 3D arrays. Includes Wenner, Schlumberger, and Dipole testing. ASTM G57-20. ERT/ERI testing can be carried out for:​​

    • Mapping of subsurface layers and bedrock depth

    • Detection of voids in the subsurface

    • Mapping of contaminant plumes

    • Aggregate mapping and volume estimation

    • Mapping of groundwater seepage through dams/dykes/levees

  • Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) - VES surveys are used primarily to support electrical grounding design for buildings, dams or other structures that require electrical grounding grids​

  • Fall of Potential Surveys - these electrical surveys are completed to test the performance of existing grounding systems for buildings.

  • Liner Leak Evaluations - these survey can be carried out over lined ponds or landfill cells to identify the location of a leak present.  These methods are often used during the construction phase of new landfill cells or for existing lined ponds/cells when leaks are suspected.  The methods are capable of identifying very small leaks in ponds covered by sand, rock or water.  ASTM D7007.

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GROUND PENETRATING RADAR

We offer ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys for the following purposes:

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  • Map buried utilities and pipelines​

  • Locate buried metallic objects present on a site

  • Detection of graves and features of archaeological importance

  • Mapping depth to sedimentary layers and shallow bedrock

  • Pavement and concrete thickness mapping of pavement structures for road rehabilitation​

  • Mapping of rebar spacing and depth within concrete structures for construction verification purposes

  • Locating voids within and beneath concrete structures

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ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS

We offer electromagnetic testing using frequency and time domain EM methods.  These methods can be used to:

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  • Map buried utilities and pipelines​

  • Locate buried metallic objects present on a site

  • Map extents of former/abandoned landfill sites

  • Map extents of a leachate plume or contaminated groundwater plume

  • Find metallic debris in fill materials that can pose risk to a construction project

  • Map permafrost and active thaw zones

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MAGNETIC METHODS

We offer magnetic testing for the following:

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  • Mapping of buried metallic debris present on a site

  • Mapping of features of archaeological importance at a site

  • Determining the extent of former/abandoned landfill sites

  • Location of abandoned wells such as oil field wells

  • Mapping of geological structure within bedrock

MICROGRAVITY

We offer microgravity testing for sites.  Microgravity surveying can be used for:​

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  • Locating and mapping underground voids, such as tunnels, mine working, natural caves and sinkholes

  • Mapping buried valleys

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NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

We offer non-destructive testing of caissons and piles to determine their length and identify defects within them.  We also offer investigation of concrete slabs and engineered structures.  Methods we offer include:​

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  • Pile Integrity (PIT) Testing

  • Thermal Conductivity Testing of Soils and Rock

  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to investigate concrete structures, rebar spacing and depth, and anomalies including voids within and beneath the concrete or pavement structures

  • Impact Echo Testing to investigate concrete thickness, strength, and defects within the concrete

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