Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) is a cutting-edge geophysical technique that maps subsurface soil and rock formations by measuring electrical resistance. It provides a non-destructive, continuous image of the underground environment, identifying features that traditional drilling might miss.
Survey Objectives
- Map soil strata, rock bedding, and fractures
- Identify hidden cavities, voids, or sinkholes
- Detect groundwater tables and moisture plumes
Assessment Utility
- Assists in foundation and slope stability design
- Provides broad coverage without invasive drilling
- Locates problematic soft zones for ground treatment
Risk Mitigation
- Minimizes "geotechnical surprises" during excavation
- Prevents construction hazards from hidden voids
- Optimizes drilling locations to save project costs
Data Modeling
- High-resolution 2D cross-sectional profiles
- 3D volumetric subsurface resistivity models
- Expert interpretation of lithological boundaries
ERT works by injecting a controlled electrical current into the ground through an array of electrodes. By measuring the resulting voltage distribution, we can calculate the apparent resistivity of the subsurface materials.
Different materials exhibit distinct electrical signatures: for example, solid rock typically shows high resistivity, while clay or water-saturated zones show low resistivity. This allows our team to "see" through the earth, providing a clear map of geological variations before the first shovel hits the ground.
Our ERT Survey Process
- 1 Strategic layout of electrode arrays along survey lines
- 2 Automated data acquisition using multi-channel meters
- 3 Advanced data inversion to create precise 2D/3D models
- 4 Comprehensive reporting with design recommendations