Geophysics

•     Ground Penetrating Radar
  MTI offers a full suite of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) services for the non-destructive investigation of structures and subsurface soil and rock construction applications include; imaging of rebar in foundation and footings, locating rebar and post-tension cables in concrete walls and slabs and locating coring sites in concrete walls and floors. Using a 1.5GHz antennae for a depth of investigation of 18 inches, concrete structures can quickly and easily be imaged saving time and money. Subsurface applications include the use of a 400 MHz antenna to locate and identify buried tanks, pipes and utilities.

  MTI owns and operates the latest version of such equipment, the TerraSIRch SIR 3000 with 400 MHz and 1.5 GHz ground-coupled antennae manufactured in the United States by Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc., of North Salem New Hampshire. Their systems and devices are used by not only private industry, but the Army Corp of Engineers, many State DOT’s and criminal investigation agencies, and university geophysics departments. Such systems are in use locating cultural artifacts in the Egyptian pyramids, measuring the thickness of ice in the Aleutian Islands as well as countless similar applications to those offered by MTI. The equipment has been showcased on several television dramas including: Law and Order, CSI, NCIS, Crossing Jordan, and others.

•     Elcometer 3312 Model SH Concrete Covermeter
  The Elcometer can locate the position of embedded reinforcing steel, accurately measure the thickness of concrete cover, and estimate the diameter of rebar - a feature not previously available to the industry.  Used in conjunction with our Ground Penetrating Rebar (GPR), MTI can provide very detailed information on rebar and post-tensioned cables to engineers, builders, and concrete coring specialists.  In addition, to being able to locate and measure rebar, using a copper-copper sulfate half-cell wand, the device doubles as a corrosion potentiometer.  In this configuration, a trained technician can identify the presence of corrosion on embedded rebar.  Even when no surface evidence is apparent, the half-cell potentiometer can predict the presence of corrosion based on electrical micro-current within the rebar structure.  Because damage from corrosion does not become apparent until after it's too late, this tool is critical to the proper evaluation of concrete structures.  This Elcometer potentiometer conforms to ASTM C 876-09 and can be used on slabs, walls, elevated decks, and many other concrete elements.
•     Wireline (Borehole Geophysics)
  Using a Mount Sopris Instruments® dual-probe borehole geophysical measurement system capable of 1600 feet in depth with an MGX II data logger, MTI is able to efficiently evaluate the following hydraulic parameters: Background Gamma, Self Potential, Single-Point Resistance, Normal Resistivity (four values), Fluid Resistivity, and Temperature. Used during well drilling to locate water-bearing zones and general lithologic parameters, wireline is the state-of-the-industry technology for evaluating hydraulic conductivity and yield for well production. Most often the technology is used in large-diameter, open hole exploration for irrigation and municipal potable water sources. The probe, however, is roughly two-inches in diameter and can fit into much smaller borings. Using optional, 360°, color camera equipment, MTI can also evaluate and inspect cased borings to evaluate screens and casings and other well problems.

For more information, please contact:

Elizabeth Brown, P.E.
Geotechnical Services Manager
800.376.9754
browne@mti-id.com