In Dundee, geophysics bridges the gap between the city’s complex glacial till and Devonian sandstone bedrock and the demands of modern construction. Non-intrusive methods are often specified under BS 5930 to de-risk ground investigations where traditional boreholes alone cannot resolve lateral variability, abandoned mine workings, or buried structures. Our GPR survey provides high-resolution imaging of shallow utilities and concrete integrity, while HVSR microtremor survey rapidly estimates site period for seismic microzonation without drilling.
These techniques are critical for wind turbine foundation design, urban regeneration projects along the waterfront, and road infrastructure where excavation is constrained. Combining GPR with a complementary Nakamura method assessment delivers a robust ground model, meeting planning conditions tied to coal mining risk and dynamic stability. The result is targeted, compliant data that keeps your Dundee project on programme.
Applied geophysics in geotechnics delivers subsurface information over large areas with low impact and reasonable cost, complementing point information from boreholes. Seismic, electrical and electromagnetic methods allow identification of stiffness contrasts, groundwater presence, bedrock depth and anomalies such as cavities or anthropic fills.
Seismic refraction and reflection, along with surface wave methods (MASW, ReMi), deliver P and S-wave velocity profiles of the subsurface, data directly applicable to site seismic classification per current codes and calculation of dynamic moduli for seismic response analysis.
Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and vertical electrical sounding (VES) identify resistivity variations associated with soil type, water content, contamination or rock presence. Ground penetrating radar (GPR) delivers high-resolution images of shallow subsurface, useful for buried utility location, pavement thicknesses and cavity detection.
Integration of geophysics with localized boreholes and laboratory tests allows construction of robust three-dimensional geological-geotechnical models. Their interpretation must be performed by specialists with local experience, considering the inherent limitations of each method and particular site conditions to avoid erroneous conclusions.