Site Investigation Including Near Surface Geophysics - 2019 entry

This module covers the engineering description of soil, soil classification and a basic knowledge of site investigation practice and principles. It also focuses on application of a range of near surface geophysical techniques in the context of ground investigation. Knowledge of a variety of methods and their applications is supported by an overview of the legal context of site investigations.

This module is suitable for students studying courses in surveying, land and environmental management, geology, mining engineering, geotechnical engineering, geography or environmental science. It is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

The module provides an understanding of engineering properties and description of soil, soil classification and a basic knowledge of site investigation practice and principles. The module aims to provide an understanding of the characteristics of a suite of geophysical techniques so that students can understand their application and identify the appropriate technique(s) for a variety of situations. In addition to developing an understanding of the techniques themselves, students will also develop an understanding of appropriate techniques for data processing and image processing. It is intended that this module will focus on the use of modern equipment and techniques. Students will also be given an understanding of the legal context in which site investigations are performed, and the responsibilities and obligations of professionals undertaking such work. The technical context is also expanded to provide students with a basic appreciation of soils to aid their ability to select appropriate investigation techniques and to interpret survey results.

Theoretical lectures will be supplemented by fieldwork during which students will undertake surveys to research a site and subsequently process their own data in order to derive an interpretation.

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Appreciate soil behaviour in the context of the geotechnical and related industries;

2. Describe and classify an engineering soil;

3. Design and cost a site investigation programme, using techniques appropriate to a site that the student has researched and visited;

4. Recognise the influence of factors controlling the engineering behaviour of a rock or soil;

5. Physical investigations including drilling, window sampling and logging of data on site;

5. Display an understanding of a range of near surface geophysical techniques and be able to select an appropriate technique or techniques for a specific purpose at a specific site;

6. Plan and execute a geophysical survey;

7. Understand the commercial and legal context pertaining to site investigation;

8. Use a basic knowledge of soils to plan an investigation and to assist in the interpretation of survey data;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

9. Process data appropriately and process images in order to facilitate interpretation of the data;

10. Identify and effectively deal with the practical constraints encountered during geophysical surveys;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

11. Construct and defend an enquiring approach;

12. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

The module content will include:

- A general introduction to Site investigation best practice and legal context in the UK law relevant to site investigations;

- An overview of the engineering description of soil, soil classification and a basic knowledge of site investigation practice and principles;

- Stages of a site investigation programme, design and implementation;

- Test methods used in site investigation, laboratory and field-based;

- Drilling and sampling techniques;

- Reporting of results, preparation of site investigation report;

- An introduction to the modes of operation of a variety of near surface geophysical techniques;

- The principles of near surface geophysical surveying, including appropriate selection of techniques;

- The application of surveying techniques to the collection of geophysical data in the field;

- Data processing relevant to a selected range of techniques;

- Techniques of image processing in order to aid the interpretation of processed data;

- Principles of data interpretation and subsequent reporting.

Given that this is a PGT module it may not be possible to form a view on the need for reassessment until after the exam board at the end of the programme. However, if the likelihood for reassessment becomes clear at an earlier stage the reassessment may be undertaken within the year.

Basic Reading:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Other Resources:

The Use of Electromagnetic Induction Techniques in Soils Studies (2014)

James A. Doolittle (USDA-NRCS-NSSC, jim.doolittle@lin.usda.gov)

Eric C. Brevik (Dickinson State University, Eric.Brevik@dickinsonstate.edu)

USING GEOPHYSICAL METHODS TO IMAGE THE INTERNAL STRUCTURE OF MINE WASTE ROCK PILES

Campos, D.1, Chouteau, M.1, Aubertin, M.1 and Bussière, B.2

1Department-CGM, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada.

(daniel.campos@polymtl.ca, chouteau@geo.polymtl.ca, michel.aubertin@polymtl.ca)

2UQAT-URSTM, Rouyn-Noranda, Canada

(bruno.bussiere@uqat.uquebec.ca)

Reading list for this module: