Mobile Geophysical Technology: A Subsurface Scoping Tool for Reducing Unforeseen Roadblocks in Project Delivery

摘要

This project demonstrated the application of a new mobile geophysical method based on electromagnetic induction technology to detect subsurface features and objects for highway-related projects. Two highway projects were identified in collaboration with Caltrans for evaluating the mobile geophysical technology. The first project was a road widening Donner Road Rehabilitation Project along highway 1-80 (Nevada County). The IDEA work in these projects investigated the geological composition of the soils beneath I-80. The second project was a bypass Cherry Avenue Project between Taft and Bakersfield (Western Kern County). The IDEA work determined soil texture density differences, identified plumes and selected geotechnical boring locations. The electromagnetic signatures were correlated with soil conditions and used to identify differences in geology, landform, and roadbed materials. In both projects, the data obtained by the geophysical equipment provided a more complete provided a more complete understanding of the subsurface conditions and allowed updating and improving the accuracy of the construction plans.