Geophysics and Geophysical Engineering Services
S.W.COLE’s geoenvironmental staff provides a variety of geophysical services in support of our geotechnical engineering, geology, and environmental services.
Earthquake Potential Evaluations
Earthquake potential evaluations are conducted for construction design prediction of a damaging earthquake.
Seismic Monitoring Services
In New England, construction activities often involve blasting or hammering for bedrock removal to prepare a site for construction or vibratory compaction as part of the site preparation. These activities are often performed in close proximity to existing structures, which may be damaged if the work is performed outside approved parameters. We perform both preblast surveys (incorporating high resolution digital photographs and video to document site conditions prior to construction operations) and vibration and blast monitoring (using seismographs to measure the vibrations and conformity to approved construction specifications).
Electrical Resistivity Testing
Resistivity Testing in Maine
Resistivity testing has a wide variety of applications, including geological interpretation, environmental investigations and construction applications. Soil (or rock) electrical resistivity is a measure of how much a material resists the flow of electricity. We measure resistivity using the following methods:
- Wenner Array Field Testing, performed in accordance with IEEE or ASTM procedures, which requires an electrical current to be induced into the material through electrodes. The electrical potential (voltage) is then measured at other electrodes placed at known distances.
- Laboratory Resistivity Testing. Common applications include grounding “touch stone” testing, a specialty method developed to evaluate the “touch stone” placed around wind towers and on substation sites, and soil box (“Miller Box”) resistivity, which is used to evaluate the corrosion of ductile iron pipe or galvanized culverts.
Thermal Resistance and Conductivity Testing
Geocubes are used in the field to test thermal conductivity.
The thermal resistance and conductivity testing performed by S.W.COLE may be performed in a materials laboratory or on a job site, depending on the instrument and the desired data. The testing is used to measure the thermal resistance or conductance of a material, which will vary based on the desired application.
