Applied geophysics for engineers: Theory, measurements and processing

The range of problems encompass environmental, geotechnical, highways, mining, hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation, agriculture and forensic science and engineering issues. In all categories, applied geophysics provide a non-destructive, cost-effective and faster ways of achieving solutions or obtaining information needed by the engineer to solve them

Course Programs

• Geohazards
• Monitoring
• Forecasting, and mitigating risks associated with landslides
• Earthquakes, volcanoes
• Avalanches, tsunamis

Course Outline
Electrical Techniques
Resistivity, induced polarization and self potential, introduction, theoretical and basic principles, field techniques, standard and electrical resistance tomography, in the search for fluid targets, water, gas and pollution. Self potential, electroseismic and electrokinetic signals and their significance in water investigations and fluid flow and leakage in dams and other structures.

Seismic Techniques
Seismic refraction, reflection and surface waves, introduction, theoretical and basic principles of seismic waves field data collection and a brief guide to reduction and interpretation. Shallow 2D and 3D seismic reflection and refraction for structure with noise-based microtremor, and surface waves and shear-wave techniques for estimating engineering properties. Microseismic monitoring and acoustic emission in mines, slope stability and landslides, hydrofracturing and other applications.

Course Modules
First part
Consist of overview of geophysical methods, understanding the principles involved in these methodologies, acquisition, processing and interpretation of measured geophysical data.

Second part
Consist of studies, discussions and analyses of a variety of case histories which will demonstrate practical use of geophysics spanning from; on-site assessment of infrastructure, precision agriculture, hydrologic monitoring, and environmental investigations, groundwater exploitation and exploration, foundation studies.