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Geophysical Engineering- Geophysical Engineering
Engineering Geophysics
In order to identify subsurface conditions, Williams uses multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW), a non-invasive, non-destructive, continuous profiling method that can explore to depths upwards of 100 feet. Williams also utilizes MASW to determine seismic site classification. MASW is more cost-effective than traditional means of determining site class, such as drilling, and can often elevate a site to a more favorable classification than drilling, thereby reducing construction cost.
Williams uses RoadScan™ to quickly determine pavement layer thickness and perform sub-base evaluations with data densities not obtainable by other labor-intensive methods. RoadScan is a non-destructive, high-speed ground penetrating radar (GPR) system that can continuously profile pavement and sub-base layer thicknesses at highway speeds. This eliminates the need for lane closures, providing a safe working environment. RoadScan is the most state-of-the-art and cutting-edge pavement analysis system available.
Williams supports sinkhole remediation by using 3-D electrical resistivity imaging (3-D ERI) to identify the location of sinkhole throats. Trying to find throats via drilling can be a hit-or-miss proposition. 3-D ERI can locate throats and other bedrock surface features because the method provides robust spatial coverage.
Geophysics does not replace drilling. When used judiciously, geophysics allows you to drill in a strategic fashion, minimizing the number of borings and maximizing the information obtained from them.
Engineering geophysics provides for the location, identification, and/or evaluation of:
- Pavement layer thickness and sub-base evaluations
- Concrete slab thickness and reinforcement
- Abandoned mine workings
- Borrow areas
- Corrosion potential
- Depth to bedrock
- Landslides
- Lava tubes
- Leaks in earthen dams, clay, and HDPE liners, and buried water mains
- Leaks in buried water lines and earthen structures
- Liquefaction potential (shear modulus and Poisson's ratio)
- Near vertical, clay-filled fractures
- Offshore geohazards (slumps, steep slopes, pressurized gas)
- Permafrost
- Rock ripping potential
- Seepage through earthen structures
- Sinkholes
- Slurry walls
- Soil layering
- Vibration monitoring (blasting, deep dynamic compaction)
- Voids beneath concrete slabs
- Water depths