Geophysics
Geophysical surveys are an essential tool for environmental investigations of abandoned industrial facilities, commercial properties and government facilities. Not only can geophysics be used to find contaminant sources such as buried drums and tanks, it is also extremely useful for precisely locating underground utilities that can act as contaminant migration pathways. Lu Engineers has also used geophysics in non-environmental applications such as utility mapping, finding voids in concrete structures and mapping of a variety of subsurface features.
We employ several types of geophysical investigation techniques based on the target material and depth of the investigation at a given site. Factors such as soil type, moisture content, ground cover and sources of potential interference must be carefully considered when selecting the appropriate methods to be used. In environmental applications, Lu Engineers typically uses a combination of electromagnetic survey and ground penetrating radar to identify the location of tanks, piping, dry wells and other significant buried features. We have also conducted various types of soil conductivity surveys to identify the extent and depth of fill areas as well as other buried features. Depending on soil types and other factors, it is often possible to closely determine the type, size and orientation of buried objects, saving valuable time and resources during the investigation process.
Lu Engineers uses a combination of technologies for conducting geophysical surveys and investigations. We use state-of-the art instrumentation such as the Geonics, Inc. EM-61, GSSI EMP-400 Profiler and Noggin, Inc. ground penetrating radar units to precisely locate target features. High-resolution GPS or conventional survey methods are then used to create base-mapping for scalable graphic representations of buried features. Geophysical mapping is then imported into the base mapping to allow interpretation, additional investigation or other uses. High-quality mapping and use of the best available technologies provide our clients with a high level of confidence in the reliability of Lu Engineers’ geophysical survey findings for environmental and non-environmental applications.
