See the subsurface before you drill
Geophysical survey maps the subsurface and the seabed from a distance, with no direct intervention. It is the exploratory step — faster and cheaper — that shows where it is worth investing in geotechnical drilling afterwards.
What we deliver
Four indirect methods that investigate the subsurface and the seabed without drilling.
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Topobathymetric surveys
Combines land topography and bathymetry to produce the geometric picture of the terrain and the seabed.
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Electrical resistivity (geoelectric survey)
Injects electrical current into the ground to detect variations in the subsurface, groundwater, and the integrity of foundations and structures.
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GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar)
Uses radar pulses to produce detailed images of the shallow subsurface and detect buried objects, voids, and infrastructure, with no excavation.
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Subsurface geophysics
Brings together this set of indirect methods that guide where the intrusive borings and geotechnical tests will later be carried out.
Where geophysics fits in the investigation
Before drilling, it is possible to see the subsurface and the seabed from a distance. Geophysics quickly maps a large area and points to the right spots for intrusive geotechnical investigation — cutting cost and risk before any borehole.
How it works, in detail
Topobathymetric surveys combine land topography and bathymetry to produce the geometric picture of the terrain and the seabed, providing the basis for any coastal or marine project. Electrical resistivity (geoelectric survey) injects electric current into the ground to detect variations in subsurface composition, the presence of groundwater, and the structural integrity of foundations and structures. GPR (Ground Penetrating Radar) uses radar pulses to generate detailed images of the shallow subsurface, detecting buried objects, voids and infrastructure without the need for intrusive investigation. Subsurface geophysics brings together this set of indirect methods that guide where the more precise, intrusive drilling and geotechnical tests will later be carried out.
After the geophysical survey
With the critical points identified, the investigation moves to the intrusive stage — drilling on land or at sea.
Geotechnical Drilling
Before any foundation, retaining structure or infrastructure project, you need to know what lies beneath the ground. Geotechnical drilling opens boreholes in the terrain, collects soil and rock samples, measures the groundwater table, and determines the strength of the ground -- the basis on which the structural design is safely sized.
Marine Geotechnics
Before installing a platform, a port terminal, a pipeline or an offshore wind farm, you need to know the soil beneath the seabed. Marine geotechnics investigates that subsurface with our own means, in sheltered waters, open sea, rivers, tailings dams and lakes, providing the data that guarantee the technical feasibility and safety of the project.