Geophysics
is a core area in which the expert team at Geoinženiring, specializing in engineering geophysics, holds a leading position in Slovenia. The group has been conducting geophysical surveys for geological, civil engineering, and archaeological purposes for over 50 years.
The first geophysical measurements were carried out in 1952, the same year the Department of Geophysical Measurements was formally established. It was later renamed the Department of Geophysics and Geodesy, operating as an independent organizational and financial unit until 1998. Following the establishment of Geoinženiring, the activity was reorganized under the Department of Engineering Geophysics, a title that more precisely reflects the scope of our work.
Our extensive data archive contains the most significant measurement records, geophysical datasets, technical reports, and expert studies.
Our recent activities are aimed at:
- Выполнение замеров с использованием геодезических приборов (тахеометр, GPS/ГНСС-оборудование).
- Определение координат участков, высотных отметок и границ территории.
- Создание геодезической основы (сетка реперов) для дальнейших измерений.
- Выполнение замеров с использованием геодезических приборов (тахеометр, GPS/ГНСС-оборудование).
- Определение координат участков, высотных отметок и границ территории.
- Создание геодезической основы (сетка реперов) для дальнейших измерений.
- Выполнение замеров с использованием геодезических приборов (тахеометр, GPS/ГНСС-оборудование).
- Определение координат участков, высотных отметок и границ территории.
- Создание геодезической основы (сетка реперов) для дальнейших измерений.
- Выполнение замеров с использованием геодезических приборов (тахеометр, GPS/ГНСС-оборудование).
- Определение координат участков, высотных отметок и границ территории.
- Создание геодезической основы (сетка реперов) для дальнейших измерений.
- Выполнение замеров с использованием геодезических приборов (тахеометр, GPS/ГНСС-оборудование).
- Определение координат участков, высотных отметок и границ территории.
- Создание геодезической основы (сетка реперов) для дальнейших измерений.
- Выполнение замеров с использованием геодезических приборов (тахеометр, GPS/ГНСС-оборудование).
- Определение координат участков, высотных отметок и границ территории.
- Создание геодезической основы (сетка реперов) для дальнейших измерений.
- Выполнение замеров с использованием геодезических приборов (тахеометр, GPS/ГНСС-оборудование).
- Определение координат участков, высотных отметок и границ территории.
- Создание геодезической основы (сетка реперов) для дальнейших измерений.
- Выполнение замеров с использованием геодезических приборов (тахеометр, GPS/ГНСС-оборудование).
- Определение координат участков, высотных отметок и границ территории.
- Создание геодезической основы (сетка реперов) для дальнейших измерений.
- Выполнение замеров с использованием геодезических приборов (тахеометр, GPS/ГНСС-оборудование).
- Определение координат участков, высотных отметок и границ территории.
- Создание геодезической основы (сетка реперов) для дальнейших измерений.
Our recent activities are aimed at:
for geological site characterization, including assessment of tectonic features, underground caverns/objects and karstic features;
roads, railways, underground excavations, water supply and energy supply and transfer including assessment of foundation conditions and efficiency of soil remediation;
site characterization for waste deposits and nuclear waste repositories, environmental impact assessment studies, mitigation of flood risk and landslides;
geological storage of energy, geological storage of CO2 (capacity estimation according to European methodology, site characterisation and monitoring) including integrated design of CCS technologies;
such as the extent and quality of aquifers, caprock integrity, assessment of optimal sites for groundwater supply and geothermal studies;
earthquake resistant construction according to Eurocode 8, the risk of soil liquefaction, seismic monitoring of large dams;
prospection, quantitative parameters for reserves estimation, rock rippability in quarries and underground excavations;
in archaeology, cultural heritage as well as gravity, magnetic and elastic physical properties of materials;
Cooperation
Applied geophysical surveys
Engineering geophysical team at Geoinženiring accomplishes geophysical surveys:
- on the ground surface,
- under the surface (in galleries, tunnels, caves…),
- in one borehole or between several boreholes,
- between the boreholes and the surface.
We use the following methods and techniques:
Geoelectrical methods:
Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) is a direct current resistivity method typically performed using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. This setup generally consists of a linear array of four electrodes, with progressively increasing spacing between the current and potential electrodes. Shorter electrode spacings measure resistivity distribution in the shallow subsurface, while larger spacings probe deeper layers. By systematically increasing the distance between the current electrodes and recording measurements, a one-dimensional (1D) resistivity profile as a function of depth is constructed through modeling.
The method is primarily used in geologically well-layered areas to detect specific strata or groundwater based on electrical contrast. It is suitable for obtaining preliminary results and serves as a baseline for further, more detailed investigations.
Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is an advanced geoelectrical method used to image subsurface resistivity distributions by injecting direct current into the ground through a resistivity meter. The method generates models that reflect the electrical resistivity of subsurface materials, providing qualitative information about geological composition and water content. ERT is a powerful tool for addressing engineering and environmental challenges.
ERT operates by injecting a continuous current into the ground and measuring the resulting potential difference across a series of electrodes inserted into the soil. Apparent resistivity is calculated based on the injected current, measured voltage difference, and the geometric factor of the electrode array. The data are processed using advanced software algorithms (geophysical inversion), which convert apparent resistivity into true resistivity values as a function of depth.
The method is suitable for all geological environments and provides detailed insight into subsurface conditions. By detecting variations in electrical contrast, it can identify different soil or rock layers, fault zones, groundwater presence, or voids. The results are typically presented as 2D depth profiles or 3D models in PDF format.
Seismic methods:
Seismic refraction tomography (SRT) is a seismic method that utilizes the refraction of seismic waves in the ground to characterize subsurface geological conditions. Seismic velocity is a key property closely related to the compressional and shear strength of materials, making this method particularly useful for applications requiring knowledge of soil elastic properties. Seismic refraction is based on the precise measurement of travel times of seismic waves refracted at boundaries between subsurface layers with different velocities.
The method relies on the general trend of increasing acoustic velocity with depth, which can make it less sensitive to low-velocity layers beneath the surface. The travel times of refracted P-waves are recorded and used to create a subsurface velocity model. This velocity model can be derived either as a set of discrete layers with uniform velocities matched to observed travel times, or through an inversion process in which the subsurface is modeled as a grid of cells, each with a constant velocity.
SRT is applicable in all geological environments and is primarily used to estimate the depth to bedrock, detect fracture systems and voids, and assess material compaction. Based on seismic wave velocities, various geotechnical parameters can be calculated using empirical relationships. Results are typically presented as cross-sectional velocity diagrams showing the distribution of seismic velocities and depths to key interfaces.
Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) is a seismic method used to evaluate the shear-wave velocity (Vs) of subsurface materials by analyzing the dispersion characteristics of Rayleigh surface waves. The data are collected at the surface without drilling. Multiple sensors (geophones) are placed on the ground to record vibrations generated by seismic sources.
MASW takes advantage of the dispersive nature of soils, where each frequency component of a surface wave propagates at a different phase velocity. During data processing, dispersion curves are extracted for each shot gather, showing the relationship between phase velocity and frequency. From these dispersion curves, 1D shear-wave velocity profiles (Vs vs. depth) are derived. A series of 1D profiles can be compiled to generate a 2D cross-sectional image of shear-wave velocities along the survey line.
The MASW method provides detailed distribution of shear-wave velocities in soils and bedrock. It can be applied either as 1D soundings or as 2D profiles.
This method is primarily used on flat or gently sloping terrain. It is mainly applied to determine bedrock depth, assess elastic parameters (such as dynamic shear modulus and Young’s modulus), and detect zones with reduced mechanical strength. It is also commonly used to classify soil type according to Eurocode 8 (EC8).
Electromagnetic methods:
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) profiling is an electromagnetic geophysical method widely used for solving problems in geotechnical engineering. The transmitter antenna emits a short electromagnetic pulse at a specific frequency, which travels through the subsurface material until it encounters another material with different dielectric properties. A portion of the pulse is reflected and received by the antenna. The receiver measures the amplitude, polarization, and travel time of the returned signal, which is then displayed and recorded by the control unit.
The depth of penetration depends on the signal frequency and the electrical conductivity of the subsurface materials—conductive materials attenuate the signal more significantly. Once field data are collected, processing and interpretation are performed to address the investigation objectives. The processed waveform is displayed as a color-coded image known as a radargram. Essentially, a radargram is a visual representation where reflected signals are converted into color-coded amplitudes, with preprocessing gain applied to enhance readability. Reflection patterns, anomaly locations, contrast, and signal intensity are all critical elements in data interpretation.
Our works
Stages of work
- Performing geotechnical calculations
- submission of the report in digital and/or printed format
- presentation of results and consultation with designers or investors, if required
- Examples of work:
Our advantages
since 1946
we work in the field of geology and geotechnics
Own equipment
for field and laboratory research
Full range of services
from geological research to geotechnical design
Standart ISO 9001
quality management system
Reviews
Jetmir Rakovec
Feedback from a construction company: “Working with your company left us with only positive impressions! The geological investigations for our project were carried out professionally and in the shortest possible time. All recommendations were clear and precise, which allowed us to avoid unnecessary costs during the construction phase. Special thanks for the detailed reports and your attentive approach to our requirements!”
Matej Kovačič
We required a geological report for the design of a residential house. The Geoinženiring team responded promptly, carried out the drilling and investigations smoothly, and without complications. Communication with the geologist was clear, professional, and timely. We are very satisfied with their approach.
Astrid Cvikl
I commissioned a geological survey for a house construction site and was very satisfied! The experts explained all the results in detail and provided clear recommendations regarding foundation selection. I was impressed by their high level of professionalism and friendly attitude. I highly recommend this company to anyone seeking reliable geological services!