Engineering Geophysics: a Geophysicist’s View

Most geophysicists are trained in exploration problems which are often very different from engineering problems. The role and functions of the engineering geophysicist are examined and compared with those of the exploration geophysicist. The shortage of experienced engineering geophysicists in Australia and the limited practical geophysical training provided to most earth science and engineering professionals is noted.

Engineering geophysics has an important place in geotechnical investigations, however, it is concluded that greater attention must be given to interpretation and reporting of geophysical data in engineering terms.

In recent years increasing legal action related to engineering construction contracts has meant that the checking of geophysical interpretations has become a matter of some importance. A published engineering seismic refraction example is used to show procedures which may be used for checking geophysical interpretations, offering alternative interpretations and for examining their engineering implications.