ENGINEERING 

The application of ground-based gravity surveys has proven invaluable in construction applications, particularly for sinkhole and cavity detection, an essential process when planning and building new housing complexes. This technology works by detecting minute changes in the Earth’s gravitational field caused by subsurface voids such as sinkholes or cavities. It provides a non-destructive and highly accurate method of mapping the subsurface prior to construction, thereby mitigating potential risks and preventing costly future reparations. In South Africa, this technology has been effectively leveraged not just for construction applications but also for detecting underground tunnels. The ability to precisely locate and map these potential hazards, using ground gravity surveys, ensures the structural integrity of the built environment, ultimately providing safety and security for both construction projects and existing infrastructures.

The application of resistivity and thermal resistivity surveys has proven to be of immense value in the construction of new solar power plants. These geophysical methods facilitate the understanding of subsurface electrical properties such as resistivity and conductivity, which are critical for ensuring the proper shielding of power cables used in solar power infrastructure. A detailed resistivity survey can provide necessary information about the ground characteristics, including the presence of any potential hazards like corrosive soils that could affect the integrity of the power cables. Similarly, thermal resistivity surveys are crucial for determining the thermal properties of the soil, which directly influence the efficiency of the power cables’ heat dissipation capacity. This ensures optimal performance and longevity of the power cables, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of the solar power plant. Therefore, these surveys provide an indispensable tool in the planning and execution of solar power projects, ensuring their long-term success and sustainability.

Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) surveys have become a vital tool in the realm of construction, providing key insights into subsurface conditions which significantly influence project design, planning, and safety. These surveys generate seismic waves on the ground surface, which are then analyzed to produce a detailed profile of shear-wave velocity as a function of depth. The data obtained can indicate the mechanical properties of the soil, including its stiffness and elasticity, crucial factors for foundational design and stability. Particularly useful in regions with varied geological conditions, MASW surveys help in identifying areas of weak or inconsistent soil strength, potential cavities, or other geological hazards. Moreover, they provide a non-destructive and cost-effective means of assessing ground conditions prior to construction, thereby helping to mitigate risk, ensure the stability of structures, and ultimately improve the safety and sustainability of construction projects.