Demonstrating good practice on the use of geophysics in site investigation (RP1146)

There is a growing push by government to upgrade infrastructure and accelerate the delivery of new homes. This has created new opportunities for the construction industry, while at the same time challenges for managing risk in the ground with sites that may have contamination, and other complications such as poor ground conditions, which give rise to geotechnical issues.  

Geophysics has been used in ground, geotechnical and contaminated land site investigation for many years.  However it is still considered by many as a black art, as there are still misunderstandings around their application within the sector.

There are a handful of guidance documents about geophysics e.g. CIRIA report C562 Geophysics in engineering investigations 2002. CL:AIRE TB 5 The Use of Geophysical Investigation Techniques in the Assessment of Contaminated Land and Groundwater 2007, ICE Geophysics in site investigation 2015 and the RSK’s report Reference for geophysical techniques and applications, etc.

Practitioners need to keep up to date with the latest developments, and clients look for examples that will allow them to have confidence in the geophysics techniques that are and can be useful for their projects and meet their requirements. Clients would need to know how to appoint and work with geophysics specialists, etc. to ensure the best outcomes for their projects.
Project objectives
•       Provide up to date guidance on the application of geophysics
• Encourage the correct application of geophysics in site investigations, looking at different scenarios 
• Provide confidence for those using geophysics
• Allow clients to ensure they will be able to appoint and work with geophysics specialists 
• Encourage more research and development in the area of geophysics
• Allow people to easily find relevant guidance on the subject

Project status
This project has commenced and RSK has been appointed as the research contractor.

Further information
For further information or to get involved with this project please contact Joanne Kwan