EAST TENNESSEE GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

October 2015 Meeting


Monday, October 12, 2015
6:00 - 7:30 pm

Pellissippi State Technical Community College
10915 Hardin Valley Road, Knoxville
J.L. Goins Administration Building, Cafeteria Annex

OCTOBER PRESENTATION

Geophysics as a Tool for Geologic and Geotechnical Engineering Site Characterization — Reducing Risk of the Unknown

Presented By
Joel Daniel, PG
Schnabel Engineering
Greensboro, North Carolina

Characterizing subsurface conditions for geologic and geotechnical engineering projects is often challenging and not without some degree of risk. Historical exploration methods such as drilling and test pits are important at providing direct measurements of subsurface conditions and geotechnical properties; however, these methods can be inadequate in producing enough data to develop a good understanding of how these conditions and properties may vary across a site. Geophysical surveys can provide cost-effective means of obtaining additional information to supplement data obtained by direct observation. Several important scenarios where geophysics can play a key role are in the siting of dams and other critical structures, micro-tunneling and trenchless construction, evaluating the extent of buried waste, evaluating seepage pathways, and evaluating reservoir conditions, among others.

Biography

Joel Daniel is a geophysicist with Schnabel Engineering in Greensboro, NC. Joel has over 23 years of experience working in the environmental and geotechnical engineering fields. Joel’s experience includes the application of near-surface geophysical techniques to environmental and engineering projects. Joel received his BS in Geology from Virginia Tech, and his MS in Geological Sciences from Old Dominion University. Joel is a registered professional geologist in Virginia and a licensed geologist in North Carolina.


 

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