New data acquisition relies on understanding the capabilities and limitations of exploration and measuring tools to locate and characterize soil and (ground)water quality and quantities. Together with several key industry and academic parties, we are therefore continuously researching and developing new exploration equipment that augment existing and proven technology. Each exploration target, whether it be the subsurface itself or for instance groundwater or foreign objects, constitutes a unique set of variables such as target depth, dimensions or resistivity contrast, for which one or more methodologies and technologies may be an appropriate to use in exploration.
The applicability and expected outcome of a given technique can be assessed beforehand by more than just expert opinion, as is generally the procedure followed in the water industry. We therefore conduct forward modelling in advance, which is not very time consuming, but can make all the difference. It can prevent loss of time and money in the field, and contributes to realistic expectations on the data deliverables and data quality.
Field investigation activities:
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- Geophysics
- Determine soil layering (augering) and installing piezometers
- Watersampling and hydrochemical analysis
- Infiltration and conductivity tests
- Rain gauges and other meteorological measurements related to hydrological issues
Typical challenges
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- What are the soil characteristics and what is the geological genesis?
- What is the depth of the groundwater and what are the flow and dispersion characteristics?
- What are the wetting and drying characteristics of the soil and what are the related hydraulic conductivities?
- What is the source of the spring?