EM conductivity surveys measure ground conductivity by the process of electromagnetic induction. Ground conductivity can be used to detect:
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Buried Foundations
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Buried metal objects
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Cavities, including Sinkholes
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Former landfill sites & associated Leachate plumes
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Geological features
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Land drainage systems
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Mine workings
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The principal electromagnetic systems used for site investigation are the Geonics EM 31, EM 34-3 and EM 38 ground conductivity meters or the Geophex GEM-2 SKI system. The systems work on similar principles consisting of a transmitter and receiver coil spaced at a fixed configuration, but use different operating frequencies to provide a range of depth penetration and resolution for different applications. Low frequency EM 34-3 systems can be effective for finding large underground cavities such as caves and mine workings but are rarely applicable for smaller targets. The EM 31 operates at an intermediate frequency and is useful for locating discrete features such as sinkholes, abandoned mineshafts and underground storage tanks (UST's). The high frequency EM 38 system is best for detecting small targets buried at shallow depth, such as chemical waste drums and metal artefacts.
Above : Searching for buried metal artefacts with the EM 38.
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The Method
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EM survey is a rapid and cost effective technique in comparison to conventional resistivity surveys. A primary electromagnetic field output by the transmitting coil induces a secondary field in the ground. The receiving coil measures the magnitude of the secondary field (quadrature component) and the ratio between primary and secondary fields (in-phase component). Quadrature fields are proportional to ground conductivity, being responsive to bulk changes in lithology, groundwater and ground contamination. The presence of metal produces strong secondary fields, making the in-phase component a useful indicator of the presence of buried metal objects
EM data is typically collected as point readings of ground conductivity and in-phase taken at intervals along a survey grid that has been set out over the site area. The spacing of the grid-lines and reading stations is dependent upon the target size. Generally smaller targets require closer survey lines and denser spaced readings.
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Processing and interpreting the collected data:
The site data is recorded on a digital data logger for later downloading to a PC for post-survey processing and interpretation. The most commonly used interpretation procedure is contouring, carried out with specialist interactive software to produce contour plans. The contoured data is analysed in detail by our experts to identify anomalous features relative to the general background. Once identified, the anomalies are correlated with local ground conditions. Survey results are presented as plans tied in to site co-ordinates, in a readily understandable engineering CAD format.
Above : Identifying a concealed landfill on a ground conductivity contour plan.
Example of ground conductivity used to investigate swallow holes:
The appearance of a hole in the middle of a school playing field understandably caused concern to the local education authority who commissioned a survey to investigate the area for further swallow holes in the chalk geology.
The survey was carried out using ground conductivity (EM31). The plot shows the vertical quadrature data collected with a notable high conductivity anomaly present to the right of centre. The results were interpreted as high conductivity occurring where saturated gravels are present over the chalk. It is likely that groundwater within the gravels has moved down to the chalk and is aiding the formation of solution features as this groundwater flow in the gravels.
Above : EM31 Ground Conductivity data showing the location of a buried mineshaft.
Survey Methodologies
Detailed Magnetic Survey
Soil Self-Potential
Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)
Soil Thermal-Resistivity Testing
Electromagnetic Ground Conductivity
Electromagnetic Location (EML)
Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
