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Standardizing Subsurface Utility Engineering (Detection & Mapping of Existing Utilities)

Standardizing Subsurface Utility Engineering (Detection & Mapping of Existing Utilities) Dr. Sanjay Rana, Director, PARSAN Overseas Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, India, sanjay@parsan.biz Abstract Various utility installation projects involve execution using a mix of cable laying technologies like HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling), MT (Micro-Trenching) and open trenching. Infrastructure projects also require accurate information on underground utilities in planning and construction stages. To be able to avoid damages to existing utilities, especially in Indian cities with extreme subsurface utilities congestion, record creation of existing subsurface utilities is the first step. Well ...
Read MoreGeo-electrical Real-time Ground Prediction While TBM-Boring

Geo-electrical Real-time Ground Prediction While TBM-Boring Dr. Sanjay Rana, Director, PARSAN sanjay@parsan.biz Abstract The Bore Tunnelling Electrical Ahead Monitoring (BEAM) system, developed by the GET Company, Germany, is a geophysical ground prediction technique especially designed for TBM operations. BEAM is a non-intrusive focused-electrical induced polarization ground prediction technique, permanently operating while TBM advances. The intent is to get a continuous real-time geological forecast ahead of TBMs, useful to predict the quality of the groundmass and the presence of large quantities of water. The system has proven to be very reliable in providing an accurate...
Read MoreGeophysical Investigations To Deal With Uncertainties in Difficult Ground Conditions

GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATIONS TO DEAL WITH UNCERTAINTIES IN DIFFICULT GROUND CONDITIONS Dr. Sanjay Rana Director, PARSAN Overseas Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India Abstract For planning and development of any major civil project adequate knowledge of geotechnical conditions at site is important. If not adequately investigated, geological 'surprises' can lead to failures and accidents during execution. Engineering geophysics is an efficient means of subsurface investigation. The continuous information provided by geophysical methods, as against discrete point information provided by conventional means like drilling, makes project execution safer & faster. Technological advancements an...
Read MoreAdvancement in Geophysical Investigations for Tunnels

Advancement in Geophysical Investigations for Tunnels Dr. Sanjay Rana, Director, PARSAN Overseas (P) Limited, India sanjay@parsan.biz ABSTRACT: Modern major construction is inconceivable without high-level engineering explorations, which play a major role in increasing the economic efficiency of capital investments. For the design of structures it is indispensable to procure comprehensive high-quality information about the subsurface, within very short periods. The study of diverse natural conditions predetermines a variety of methods and technical means which can be used for carrying out exploratory work. Most of the time, while working on tunnels, caverns and oth...
Read MoreNON-DESTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUES FOR INSPECTING DAMS (CONCRETE, MASONRY, EARTHEN) AND SPILLWAYS

NON-DESTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUES FOR INSPECTING DAMS (CONCRETE, MASONRY, EARTHEN) AND SPILLWAYSDR. SANJAY RANADirector, PARSAN Overseas Pvt. Ltd., New Delhisanjay@parsan.biz 1. Introduction As large dams age, it becomes increasingly important to determine the condition of their material and to track changes in this condition over time. Inspections of concrete, masonry and earthen dams, dikes and spillways often require testing to evaluate for leakage paths, soil settlement/voiding, or weakened deteriorated concrete/ masonry. NDT uses geophysical testing methods (ground penetrating radar, 2D/ 3D electrical resistivity imaging, streaming potential) to identify potential leakage paths under earthen dams, dik...
Read MoreGround Penetrating Radar (Under Water) for Condition Assessment of Stilling Basins

Ground Penetrating Radar (Under Water) for Condition Assessment of Stilling BasinsDr. Sanjay RanaIntroduction to Ground Penetrating RadarGround Penetration Radar (GPR) has become an advanced and easy to use tool for subsurface investigations in recent past. It uses electromagnetic energy (in MHz region) to detect subsurface objects such as pipes, building foundations, land mines, archaeological artifacts like pottery, etc. Most common GPR assemblies typically consist of transducer unit, control and display unit and survey cart (Fig.1). The transducer unit comprises of two or more antennas transmitter and receiver. This unit may either be close to the ground surface (ground coupled antenna, Fig.2) or some dis...
Read MoreDetection of Clandestine Tunnels using Geophysical Techniques

Detection of Clandestine Tunnels using Geophysical TechniquesDr. Sanjay Rana, Director, PARSANsanjay@parsan.bizINTRODUCTIONForensic geophysics is a branch of forensic science and is the study, the search, the localization and the mapping of buried objects or elements beneath the soil or the water, using geophysics tools for legal purposes. There are various geophysical techniques for forensic investigations in which the targets are buried and have different dimensions (from weapons or metallic barrels to human burials and bunkers). Geophysical methods have the potential to aid the search and the recovery of these targets because they can non-destructively and rapidly investigate large areas where a suspect, ill...
Read MoreBest Geophysical Investigation Techniques for Bridges - Parsan

Geophysical Investigation Techniques for Bridges Dr. Sanjay Rana, Director, PARSAN Overseas Pvt. Ltdsanjay@parsan.biz INTRODUCTION Modern major construction is inconceivable without high-level engineering explorations, which play a major role in increasing the economic efficiency of capital investments. For the design of structures it is indispensable to procure comprehensive high-quality information about the subsurface, within very short periods. The study of diverse natural conditions predetermines a variety of methods and technical means which can be used for carrying out exploratory work.The geological aspects of the civil engineering site, surface and subsurface, have to be studied in details befor...
Read MoreGeophysical Investigation for Forensic Applications

Geophysical Investigation for Forensic ApplicationsDr. Sanjay Rana, Director, PARSANsanjay@parsan.bizINTRODUCTIONForensic geophysics is a branch of forensic science and is the study, the search, the localization and the mapping of buried objects or elements beneath the soil or the water, using geophysics tools for legal purposes. There are various geophysical techniques for forensic investigations in which the targets are buried and have different dimensions (from weapons or metallic barrels to human burials and bunkers). Geophysical methods have the potential to aid the search and the recovery of these targets because they can non-destructively and rapidly investigate large areas where a suspect, illegal buria...
Read MoreIntegrated Geophysical Approach for Mining Applications

Integrated Geophysical Approach for Mining ApplicationsDr SANJAY RANA,Director, PARSAN Overseas Private Limited, New Delhi, INDIA(e-mail of corresponding author: sanjay@parsan.biz)ABSTRACT:Geophysical methods have great potential to solve various mining related problems. Due to their non-destructive nature and quick application, using these methods results in huge savings in terms of time and money. Newer deposits are deeper and exploring those using conventional means of drilling is becoming increasing expensive and time consuming. Geophysical methods are also being routinely used as a reconnaissance tool to quickly determine potential of a new site before getting into lease agreements. Apart from typical app...
Read MoreInnovative Geophysical Methods for Pipeline Leakage Detection

Innovative Geophysical Methods for Pipeline Leakage Detection Dr. Sanjay Ranasanjay@parsan.bizAbstract: Pipeline networks are the most economic and safest systems of transport for water, sewage, mineral oil, gases and other fluid products. As a means of long-distance transport, pipelines have to fulfill high demands of safety, reliability and efficiency. Most pipelines, regardless of what they transport, are designed with a typical life span of 25 years. When they do begin to fail, they do so slowly beginning with leaks at poor construction joints, corrosion points and small structural material cracks, and gradually progress to a catastrophic ending. But there are also other reasons for leak disasters such as...
Read MoreGround Penetrating Radar- Principle & Applications in Vadose Zone study

Ground Penetrating Radar- Principle & Applications in Vadose Zone studyDr. Sanjay RanaChief Geophysicist & DirectorPARSAN Overseas Private Limitedsanjay@parsan.bizAbstract :Soil erosion, groundwater depletion, salinization, and pollution have been recognized for decades as major threats to ecosystems and human health. The top part of the earth between the surface and the water table is called the vadose zone. The vadose zone mediates many of the processes that govern water resources and quality, such as the partition of precipitation into infiltration and runoff, groundwater recharge, contaminant transport, plant growth, evaporation, and energy exchanges between the earths surface and its atmosphere. It also de...
Read MoreBest Problem Solving Approach by using Geophysics.

Problem Solving Approach using GeophysicsGeophysics can play an important role in helping solve resource exploration, environmental, or geotechnical problems. One has to bear in mind that geophysics measures contrast in physical properties like resistivity, density, hardness, magnetism etc. The application of geophysics is most effectively carried out by following a systematic approach. Careful thought and due diligence at each step is important to achieve a final outcome. The systematic approach consists of following steps:Problem Definition:Establish the geoscience objectives, consider conventional practice, and identify how geophysics might contribute. This could include:� Mapping geology� Locating burie...
Read MoreGeophysical Investigation Techniques: Applicability and Limitations

Geophysical Investigation Techniques: Applicability and Limitations Dr. Sanjay Rana, Managing Director, PARSAN Overseas (Pvt.) Ltd. sanjay@parsan.biz GEOPHYSICS FOR SUBSURFACE INVESTIGATIONS Modern major construction is inconceivable without high-level engineering explorations, which play a major role in increasing the economic efficiency of capital investments. For the design of structures, it is indispensable to procure comprehensive high-quality information about the subsurface, within very short periods. The study of diverse natural conditions predetermines a variety of methods and technical means which can be used for carrying out exploratory work. Any major constructio...
Read MoreGeophysical Investigation Techniques for New Bridges

Geophysical Investigation Techniques for New Bridges Dr. Sanjay Rana, Managing Director, PARSAN Overseas Pvt. Ltd sanjay@parsan.biz INTRODUCTION Modern bridge construction is inconceivable without high-level site explorations, which play a major role in optimizing the design and costs. Engineering geophysics is an efficient means of subsurface investigation. The merit of application of this low cost aid lies in its ease of deployment and rapidity in providing a reliable knowledge of the underground over a large area, substantiating the requisite geotechnical evaluation studies thereby. The state-of-the-art non-destructive subsurface geophysical investigations are helpful towards m...
Read MoreAN-Cavity-AK-09 April

Solution processes are a common phenomenon in limestone and dolomite formations which can lead to karstification causing subsurface cavities in many cases. These cavities can be air-filled or filled with fine-grained material, which decrease the soil stiffness and thus the load bearing capacity. Weak zones in the subsurface are often caused by dissolution and washing out processes, weathering or geological faults. Weak zones lead to a reduction of the rock strength and often have an increased hydraulic permeability. Washing out and solution processes or insufficient sediment consolidation can lead to sudden or long-term subsidence of the subsoil. Exploratory drillings, which are generally used for soil...
Read MoreSeismic Tomography Between Exploratory Drifts For Dam Projects

Seismic Tomography Between Exploratory Drifts For Dam Projects Dr. Sanjay Rana, Ashutosh Kaushik, Bhaskar Chendhoor (PARSAN Overseas Pvt Limited) sanjay@parsan.biz About Parsan An ISO 9001:2015 certified geophysical company Promoters recognized as leaders in region for launching new technology. Responsible for launch of: Ground Penetrating Radar Technology- 1996 Shear Wave Seismic Refraction- 1997 High Resolution Seismic Tomography- 1998 Passive Seismic Tomography for Oil Exploration- 2008 Innovative use of geophysical methods for high resolution non-destructive testing of dams- 1998 Highly experienced and trained staff. Offices in Delhi, Kolkata, Bho...
Read MoreGeophysical Techniques for Landslide Detection and Monitoring

Geophysical Techniques for Landslide Detection and Monitoring Dr. Sanjay Rana sanjay@parsan.biz Introduction Landslides are one of the most common natural disasters, affecting several regions worldwide. Landslides result in loss of life, property damage, and destruction of infrastructure. Early detection and monitoring are crucial to mitigate the impact of landslides. Geophysical techniques have been widely used in the identification and assessment of landslide hazards. This paper provides a technical overview of the use of geophysical techniques for landslide detection and monitoring. ...
Read MoreRole of geophysics in investigations for pump storage projects Can it replace requirement of Drifts?

Role of geophysics in investigations for pump storage projects Can it replace requirement of Drifts? Dr. Sanjay Rana sanjay@parsan.biz Geophysics plays a crucial role in the investigations and planning of pump storage projects. Pump storage projects involve the use of water reservoirs at different elevations to generate electricity. During off-peak hours or when there is excess electricity in the grid, water is pumped from a lower reservoir to a higher one. When electricity demand is high, the stored water is released, flowing downhill and passing through turbines to generate electr...
Read MoreA Comparison of MASW & Crosshole Test for Shear Wave Velocity Determination

A Comparison of MASW & Crosshole Test for Shear Wave Velocity Determination Dr. Sanjay Rana, Director, PARSAN Overseas Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, India, sanjay@parsan.biz Abstract Shear wave velocity is an important parameter used in geotechnical engineering to understand the properties of soil and rock formations. There are different methods to measure shear wave velocity, such as the Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) and Crosshole Test. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to understand the differences between them to determine which method is more accurate. In this paper, we will discuss the principles and procedures of both methods and compar...
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