Geophysics in engineering investigations

This report is the result of collaboration between CIRIA, the Engineering Group of the Geological Society, the British Geological Survey, and the Building Research Establishment. It presents a logical sequence through the process of using geophysical investigation methods in site characterisation. Following the introduction about the roles of geophysical methods, Chapter 2 provides the background to geophysics as an investigative tool. Chapter 3 sets out the procurement, management and reporting frameworks for a geophysical investigation and stresses the importance of the involvement of a recognised geophysics specialist adviser. Chapter 4 explains the need for a conceptual ground model in order that appropriate investigative methods are chosen. The underlying science and current practices of the main techniques are explored in Chapter 5. This is followed by an explanation of the processes of data acquisition, handling and presentation. There are separate sections for geological, geotechnical, geo-environmental and structural engineering applications, which consider the different targets determinable by geophysical methods. The report concludes with recommendations for practice.