Research Activities: 1999

Non-Invasive Imaging Geophysical Imaging of Landfill Site

 

Status

Complete

View Report:

PDF 
 

Sequential Number

R33
 

Identification Number

R-5-38036
 

Matching Research Agency

N/A
 

Principal Investigator

Neil Anderson, Professor
Geology and Geophysics
University of Missouri-Rolla
125 McNutt Hall
Rolla, MO 65409
p(573) 341-4852
f(573) 341-6935
nanders@mst.edu
 

Student Involvement

Four (4) graduate students and two (2) undergraduate students
 

Project Objective

The objectives of this work are to identify and locate metallic obstructions within a landfill under planned highway fill and to map bedrock where a future stream channel is to be excavated. This will be accomplished using the following non-destructive and non-evasive, geophysical techniques. Objective 1 is to conduct a combined electromagnetic (GEM 300) and magnetic survey of the former dumpsite in the Grandview Triangle area with a view to locating and mapping the geophysical signatures of any large buried metallic objects such as drums, cars or buses. Such features could lead to differential settlement once roadway fill is placed and thus must be removed. Early identification and removal of these objects would decrease the possibility of construction delays and/or costly repairs. Objective 2 is to acquire seismic reflection /refraction profiles along the proposed new stream channel in order to estimate depth to bedrock and locate possible fractures. These geophysical techniques should provide an essentially continuous profile of the bedrock and reduce the number of preliminary borings. Early discovery of fractures is important, as they will require special attention during excavation. This data should eliminate the potential for changed site conditions (re: excavation of new stream channel).
 

Project Abstract

Electromagnetic and magnetic tools are routinely used for the detection of buried metallic objects. The combined use of both tools will result in more definitive interpretation in terms of area extent of target body, depth to target body and nature of causative body. Reflection/refraction seismic are routinely used to map bedrock, where overlain by unconsolidated soil. The geophysical survey data will be acquired during the course of ten field days in early July 2000. Spot magnetic and electromagnetic data will be acquired at multiple patterned grid locations (approximately 7.5 feet intervals) in the study area. Geophysical survey locations will be sited using the University's GPS unit. These geophysical data will be processed and interpreted. The interpretations will be plotted on base maps of the study area and anomalies will be highlighted. The report will contain specific recommendations (re: confirmatory excavation and/or drilling of identified anomalies).
 

Task Description

Identify and locate metallic obstructions within a landfill under planned highway fill and to map bedrock where a future stream channel is to be excavated.
 

Anticipated Benefits

Objective 1 is to conduct a combined electromagnetic (GEM 300) and magnetic survey of the former dumpsite in the Grandview Triangle area with a view to locating and mapping the geophysical signatures of any large buried metallic objects such as drums, cars or buses. Such features could lead to differential settlement once roadway fill is placed and thus must be removed. Early identification and removal of these objects would decrease the possibility of construction delays and/or costly repairs. Objective 2 is to acquire seismic reflection /refraction profiles along the proposed new stream channel in order to estimate depth to bedrock and locate possible fractures.
 

Modal Orientation

N/A
 

Milestones

Project Start Date:06/01/2000
Project End Date:06/31/2001
 

Relationship to other Research/Projects

There is no direct correlation with other projects, however investigators are conducting several other geophysical site characterization studies.
 

Technology Transfer Activities

Presentation at one applied geophysics conference is planned. Reviewed paper will be published. Final report will be available through MoDOT. M.S. thesis will be available through UMR.
 

Transportation Research Board Keywords

Non-destructive, non-evasive and metallic obstructions