Our Geophysical Services
Ground Penetrating Radar
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is the most useful of all of the geophysical tools. EPI Geophysics provides geophysical investigations to delineate subsurface features of interest utilizing high-resolution GPR antenna systems. GPR is a fast and reliable technology using harmless microwave radiation. Data is collected systematically by this safe and non-intrusive technology. Applications of this service include identifying and marking the location and depth of service utilities and other buried structures. Utilities to be marked include, but may not be limited to: electric, gas, telephone, fiber optics, sanitary sewers, storm drains, water service, and other metallic and non-metallic targets that include underground storage tanks (UST’s) and PVC pipes. Project reports containing maps, photographs, and 2-dimensional images generated from post-processing are also provided as a supplemental service.
The principle of GPR is the same as that used by police radar, except that GPR transmits electromagnetic energy into the ground. The energy is reflected back to the surface from interfaces between materials with contrasting electrical (dielectric and conductivity) and physical properties. The greater the contrast between two materials in the subsurface, the stronger the reflection observed on the GPR record. The depth of GPR signal penetration depends on the properties of the subsurface materials and the frequency of the antenna used to collect radar data.
Line Tracing
Another way we have of tracing pipes involves sending a radio transmitter into those pipes using a Rodder/Sonde system. The pipes can be traced by tracking that radio signal with the line-tracing receiver. For small diameter pipes that are not made of metal or some other conductive material, we can slide a wire into those pipes and transmit a radio signal into the wire which allows us to trace those pipes.
Electromagnetic Induction Imaging
Electromagnetic Induction is a method which allows the collection of a lot of data over a broad area in a relatively short time. It can be especially useful in Phase I work on large properties where there may be a variety of areas of concern. It can also be useful in properties with a historic component which may be underlain by foundations, flooring, and other subsurface ruins. Areas of fill can also frequently be defined with EM.
The EM Profiler generates a magnetic field which transmits an electrical signal into the ground. This signal, in turn, causes an electromagnetic signal to be transmitted from the ground back up to the receiver. EM data is collected continuously along survey lines, and each data point is associated with GPS coordinates collected at the exact same time as the EM data is collected for each point. The data is plotted on color contour maps allowing the location of strong anomalies (like pipes, tanks, etc.) as well as weak anomalies (variations in soil saturation, compaction, etc).
The EM system makes use of lower frequency radiation than the GPR, and should be seen as a complementary tool in site assessment. One of the big advantages of the multi-frequency system we use is that we can collect EM data from three separate frequencies (corresponding to targeting three separate depths of imaging), as well as in-phase, quadrature, and conductivity data for each of those three frequencies. The color contour maps can be referenced in either latitude/longitude or state plane coordinates, and can also be superimposed on airborne imagery.
GPR Scan for Residential and Commercial Real Estate Transactions
EPI is able to scan your property with GPR to determine whether or not there are any USTs present. We can scan over grass, asphalt, gravel or concrete to image what lies beneath. Not only can we determine whether a UST is present, but we typically have the ability determine its size, shape, volume, and depth below surface. With another set of tools that allow line tracing, we have the ability to trace piping that connects the tank to the building. We mark all underground utilities with paint on the ground surface, and we will create a report of our findings.
GPS
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OUR GEOPHYSICAL
METHODOLOGY
OUR
EQUIPMENT
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SITE MAP
REVIEW
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YOUR
REPORT
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FILE
REVIEW
EPI will request and review all available site utility maps/drawings prior to mobilization.
ON-SITE
PROCEDURE
We will inspect mark-out areas and look for any evidence of buried utilities within the survey area.
TAILORED
REPORT
Areas of survey will be identified and utilities or anomalies that were identified will be shown in our reports.
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Safety, possible damaged reputation, property damage, budget overruns, project down time, injuries + accidents if you were to accidentally strike an underground structure or pipe
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