Geophysics

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a powerful, non-invasive geophysical method used to investigate subsurface conditions with high resolution. At LDE, we leverage GPR technology to deliver precise, detailed insights into underground features, supporting a wide range of engineering, environmental, and geological projects across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) Services?

• Advanced GPR Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art GPR equipment capable of penetrating various ground conditions, providing accurate and detailed subsurface images that support informed decision-making.

• Expert Interpretation: Our team of geophysicists is skilled in interpreting GPR data, ensuring that you receive clear, actionable insights into subsurface conditions, whether for construction, environmental assessment, or archaeological investigation.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our GPR services are conducted in accordance with New Zealand’s geotechnical and environmental standards, ensuring reliable results that meet all regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Subsurface Mapping

• High-resolution imaging of subsurface features, including soil layers, rock formations, utilities, and voids, providing critical data for site assessments and construction planning.

Utility Location

• Accurate detection and mapping of underground utilities, such as pipelines, cables, and conduits, to avoid damage during excavation and construction activities.

Environmental and Archaeological Investigations

• Non-invasive exploration of sensitive sites, including landfills, contaminated areas, and archaeological sites, to identify subsurface structures and anomalies without disturbing the ground.

Structural Assessment

• GPR is used to assess the condition of structures like bridges, roads, and buildings, identifying internal flaws, voids, and rebar placement to inform maintenance and repair strategies.

Consultation & Reporting

• Providing expert consultation on GPR applications, with detailed reports that include data interpretation, findings, and recommendations, supporting informed project planning and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) needs ensures that your project benefits from advanced technology, expert interpretation, and adherence to New Zealand’s regulatory standards, delivering accurate and reliable subsurface insights.

Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) Testing is a versatile geophysical method used to explore and characterize subsurface conditions without invasive procedures. At LDE, we employ advanced EMI technology to provide detailed insights into the conductivity of soils and rock formations, supporting a wide range of environmental and engineering projects across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) Testing?

• Advanced EMI Technology: We utilize cutting-edge EMI equipment capable of detecting variations in subsurface conductivity, providing accurate data on soil properties, contamination, and geological features.

• Expert Data Interpretation: Our geophysicists are experienced in analyzing EMI data, ensuring you receive clear and actionable insights that are critical for effective site assessment and decision-making.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our EMI testing services are conducted in strict accordance with New Zealand’s environmental and geotechnical standards, ensuring that all results are reliable and meet regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Soil Conductivity Mapping

• Detailed mapping of soil conductivity variations to identify different soil types, moisture content, and contamination levels, providing essential information for environmental and geotechnical assessments.

Contamination Detection

• EMI testing is used to detect and delineate areas of soil and groundwater contamination, helping to guide remediation efforts and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Archaeological and Environmental Surveys

• Non-invasive surveys of archaeological sites and sensitive environments to detect subsurface anomalies and features without disturbing the ground, aiding in preservation and research efforts.

Infrastructure Assessment

• EMI testing can be applied to assess the integrity of infrastructure, such as roads and foundations, by identifying areas of subsurface deterioration or voids that could affect stability.

Consultation & Reporting

• Providing expert consultation on the application of EMI testing, with comprehensive reports that document findings, data interpretation, and recommendations, supporting informed decision-making and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) Testing ensures that your project benefits from advanced technology, expert interpretation, and a commitment to accuracy and compliance with New Zealand’s stringent standards.

Downhole Seismic Testing, including Seismic Cone Penetration Testing (SCPT), is a critical method for evaluating the subsurface seismic properties essential for earthquake engineering and site characterization. At LDE, we offer advanced SCPT services to provide precise measurements of seismic wave velocities, helping you design and construct safer, more resilient structures across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Downhole Seismic (SCPT) Testing?

• Advanced SCPT Technology: We use state-of-the-art SCPT equipment to accurately measure shear wave and compressional wave velocities, providing essential data for seismic site characterization and soil-structure interaction analysis.

• Expert Interpretation: Our geophysicists are skilled in interpreting SCPT data, offering detailed insights into subsurface conditions that are critical for earthquake-resistant design and construction.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our SCPT services comply with New Zealand’s rigorous seismic and geotechnical standards, ensuring that your project meets all necessary regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Seismic Site Characterization

• Detailed assessment of seismic wave velocities in subsurface materials, providing essential information for determining site class, soil amplification potential, and liquefaction susceptibility.

Soil and Rock Property Evaluation

• Accurate measurement of soil and rock stiffness, shear strength, and dynamic properties, supporting the design of foundations, retaining structures, and other critical infrastructure.

Seismic Hazard Analysis

• SCPT data is used to assess seismic hazards, including ground shaking intensity, and to inform the development of mitigation strategies for earthquake-prone areas.

Foundation Design Support

• Providing data that supports the design of foundations and other structures by characterizing subsurface conditions and their response to seismic loading.

Consultation & Reporting

• Offering expert consultation on seismic testing and data interpretation, with comprehensive reports that document findings, methodologies, and recommendations, ensuring informed decision-making and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Downhole Seismic (SCPT) Testing ensures that your project benefits from advanced seismic analysis, expert interpretation, and adherence to New Zealand’s strict seismic standards, helping you build safer and more resilient structures.

Sub-soil classification is a vital step in the design and construction of multi-storey buildings, foundations, dams, and retaining structures. At LDE, we specialize in Sub-soil Classification (Class C/D), providing precise assessments of soil properties, including the determination of the natural frequency of the soil (site period), to inform safe and effective structural designs across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Sub-soil Classification (Class C/D)?

• Specialized Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in soil classification, particularly in identifying Class C (shallow soil) and Class D (deep or soft soil) conditions, ensuring accurate input for seismic design and construction.

• Advanced Testing Methods: We use sophisticated techniques to determine the natural frequency of the soil (site period), providing critical data for the design of structures that are resilient to seismic activity.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our sub-soil classification services are conducted in full compliance with New Zealand’s seismic and geotechnical standards, ensuring that your project meets all regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Natural Frequency Determination

• Accurate assessment of the soil’s natural frequency (site period) to understand how subsurface conditions will respond to seismic forces, essential for designing earthquake-resistant structures.

Class C/D Soil Classification

• Detailed evaluation of sub-soil conditions to classify sites according to the New Zealand seismic site subsoil classifications, providing necessary data for seismic design and structural analysis.

Structural Design Support

• Providing critical input for the design of multi-storey buildings, foundations, dams, and retaining structures, ensuring that they are appropriately designed to withstand site-specific seismic conditions.

Seismic Hazard Assessment

• Utilizing sub-soil classification data to assess seismic hazards, including potential amplification of ground motion, helping to guide safe and resilient construction practices.

Consultation & Reporting

• Offering expert consultation on sub-soil classification and its implications for structural design, with comprehensive reports that document findings, methodologies, and recommendations, supporting informed decision-making and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Sub-soil Classification (Class C/D) needs ensures that your project is guided by expert analysis, advanced testing methods, and a commitment to safety and compliance with New Zealand’s rigorous seismic standards.

Liquefaction is a significant hazard in seismically active regions, potentially leading to ground failure and severe damage to structures. At LDE, we provide comprehensive Liquefaction Analysis services, assessing the risk of soil liquefaction during seismic events to ensure the safety and resilience of your projects across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Liquefaction Analysis?

• Specialized Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in conducting liquefaction assessments, utilizing advanced geotechnical and geophysical techniques to evaluate soil susceptibility and potential impacts on infrastructure.

• Advanced Analysis Techniques: We use cutting-edge tools, including Cone Penetration Testing (CPT), shear wave velocity profiling, and site-specific seismic hazard analysis, to provide a detailed understanding of liquefaction risks.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our liquefaction analysis services are fully aligned with New Zealand’s geotechnical and seismic standards, ensuring that all assessments meet regulatory requirements and support safe design practices.

Key Services:

Liquefaction Hazard Assessment

• Detailed evaluation of the potential for soil liquefaction during seismic events, including analysis of soil types, groundwater conditions, and seismic loads, to determine the risk level for specific sites.

Site-specific Seismic Analysis

• Conducting site-specific seismic hazard analysis to assess the severity of ground shaking and its potential to induce liquefaction, providing essential data for the design of earthquake-resistant structures.

Ground Improvement Recommendations

• Based on the analysis, we provide recommendations for ground improvement techniques, such as densification, drainage, or reinforcement, to mitigate liquefaction risks and enhance site stability.

Impact Assessment on Structures

• Evaluating the potential impact of liquefaction on existing and proposed structures, helping to guide design modifications or retrofitting efforts to improve resilience.

Consultation & Reporting

• Offering expert consultation on liquefaction risks and mitigation strategies, with comprehensive reports that include data interpretation, findings, and recommendations, supporting informed decision-making and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Liquefaction Analysis ensures that your project is protected against the risks of soil liquefaction, backed by expert analysis, advanced testing methods, and adherence to New Zealand’s stringent seismic standards.

Understanding and mitigating seismic hazards is crucial for the safety and resilience of infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions. At LDE, we offer comprehensive Seismic Hazard Assessment services, providing detailed evaluations of seismic risks to inform the design and construction of safe, earthquake-resistant structures across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Seismic Hazard Assessment?

• Extensive Seismic Expertise: Our team has deep expertise in seismic hazard analysis, utilizing advanced geophysical and geotechnical methods to assess earthquake risks and their potential impact on structures.

• Advanced Assessment Techniques: We employ state-of-the-art tools, including site-specific seismic hazard analysis, ground motion modeling, and probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA), to deliver precise and reliable results.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our seismic hazard assessments are conducted in full compliance with New Zealand’s seismic design and engineering standards, ensuring that your project meets all necessary regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA)

• Conducting PSHA to evaluate the likelihood of various seismic events and their potential impact on your site, providing essential data for informed decision-making and design.

Site-specific Ground Motion Analysis

• Analyzing ground motion parameters specific to your site, including peak ground acceleration (PGA) and spectral acceleration, to assess how seismic forces will affect your structures.

Seismic Risk Mitigation

• Developing tailored seismic risk mitigation strategies, including recommendations for structural design, retrofitting, and ground improvement, to enhance the resilience of your project.

Soil-Structure Interaction Analysis

• Assessing how local soil conditions interact with seismic forces, influencing the behavior of foundations and superstructures, and informing the design of earthquake-resistant buildings.

Consultation & Reporting

• Providing expert consultation on seismic hazards and risk management, with comprehensive reports that document findings, methodologies, and recommendations, supporting compliance and safe design practices.

Choosing LDE for your Seismic Hazard Assessment ensures that your project is backed by expert analysis, advanced seismic modeling, and a commitment to safety and compliance with New Zealand’s rigorous seismic standards.

Accurately locating underground services is essential for safe excavation and construction activities. At LDE, we provide precise Underground Service Location services, using advanced geophysical techniques to identify and map utilities, pipelines, and other subsurface features, ensuring that your project proceeds safely and efficiently across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Underground Service Location?

• Advanced Detection Technology: We utilize cutting-edge geophysical tools, including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electromagnetic Induction (EMI), to accurately locate and map underground services, minimizing the risk of damage during excavation.

• Experienced Team: Our team has extensive experience in underground service location, ensuring that all subsurface utilities and structures are identified and mapped with precision, supporting safe and informed construction practices.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our services are conducted in compliance with New Zealand’s safety and construction standards, ensuring that all findings meet the necessary regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Utility Detection and Mapping

• Accurate detection and mapping of underground utilities, such as water, gas, and sewer pipelines, electrical cables, and communication lines, to prevent accidental damage during construction.

Subsurface Feature Identification

• Identifying and mapping other subsurface features, including tanks, voids, and foundations, providing a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface environment for safe project planning.

Risk Mitigation

• Providing detailed mapping and reporting to support risk mitigation during excavation and construction, helping to avoid costly disruptions and ensuring worker safety.

Consultation & Reporting

• Offering expert consultation on underground service location, with comprehensive reports that document findings, methodologies, and recommendations, ensuring informed decision-making and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Underground Service Location needs ensures that your project is supported by accurate, reliable subsurface mapping, advanced detection technology, and a commitment to safety and compliance with New Zealand’s stringent standards.

Understanding near-surface geological structures is critical for safe and effective site development. At LDE, we offer comprehensive services to investigate and map near-surface geological features, including lithology, faults, and the groundwater table, providing essential data for a wide range of engineering and environmental projects across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Near-surface Geological Structure Investigation?

• Comprehensive Analysis: Our team uses advanced geophysical methods to accurately characterize near-surface geological structures, providing detailed insights into lithology, fault presence, and groundwater conditions.

• State-of-the-Art Technology: We employ cutting-edge tools such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), seismic refraction, and resistivity surveys to deliver high-resolution data on subsurface conditions, supporting informed project planning and risk management.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our investigations are fully aligned with New Zealand’s geotechnical and environmental standards, ensuring that all data and findings meet the required regulatory criteria.

Key Services:

Lithology Mapping

• Detailed mapping and analysis of surface and near-surface rock types and soil layers, providing critical information for foundation design, excavation planning, and resource management.

Fault Detection and Characterization

• Identifying and mapping fault lines and zones of weakness, assessing their impact on site stability, and providing recommendations for mitigating seismic risks.

Groundwater Table Mapping

• Accurate determination of groundwater levels and flow patterns, essential for managing water resources, designing foundations, and assessing the potential for liquefaction or subsidence.

Seismic and Resistivity Surveys

• Conducting seismic and electrical resistivity surveys to gather detailed data on subsurface geological structures, supporting the assessment of site suitability and the identification of potential hazards.

Consultation & Reporting

• Offering expert consultation on near-surface geological structures, with comprehensive reports that document methodologies, findings, and recommendations, ensuring informed decision-making and regulatory compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Near-surface Geological Structure investigation ensures that your project benefits from precise data, advanced technology, and a commitment to safety and compliance with New Zealand’s stringent standards.

Determining the correct foundation depth is crucial for the stability and safety of any structure. At LDE, we provide precise Foundation Depth assessments, using advanced geophysical techniques to evaluate subsurface conditions, ensuring your foundations are designed to support long-lasting and resilient structures across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Foundation Depth Assessments?

• Expert Geophysical Analysis: Our team specializes in assessing subsurface conditions to determine optimal foundation depth, ensuring that your structure is built on a stable and secure base.

• Advanced Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art geophysical tools, including seismic surveys, resistivity testing, and soil sampling, to accurately evaluate the depth and quality of subsurface materials.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our foundation depth assessments are conducted in full compliance with New Zealand’s geotechnical and building standards, ensuring that your project meets all necessary regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Subsurface Condition Assessment

• Comprehensive evaluation of subsurface conditions, including soil composition, bedrock depth, and groundwater levels, to determine the most suitable foundation depth for your structure.

Seismic and Resistivity Testing

• Utilizing seismic and resistivity testing to map subsurface layers and identify areas of weakness or instability, guiding the design of safe and effective foundations.

Foundation Design Support

• Providing critical data to support the design of foundations for various structures, including buildings, bridges, and retaining walls, ensuring they can withstand site-specific conditions.

Risk Mitigation

• Assessing potential risks such as soil liquefaction, subsidence, or slope instability, and recommending foundation depths and designs that mitigate these risks.

Consultation & Reporting

• Offering expert consultation on foundation depth requirements, with detailed reports that document findings, methodologies, and recommendations, supporting informed decision-making and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Foundation Depth assessments ensures that your project is supported by precise geophysical analysis, advanced technology, and adherence to New Zealand’s stringent standards, laying the groundwork for safe and resilient structures.

Detecting buried objects and voids is critical for ensuring safety and avoiding costly surprises during construction and excavation. At LDE, we offer advanced Buried Objects and Voids Detection services, using cutting-edge geophysical techniques to identify subsurface anomalies, ensuring your project proceeds smoothly and safely across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Buried Objects and Voids Detection?

• Advanced Detection Technology: We employ state-of-the-art geophysical tools, including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and electromagnetic surveys, to accurately detect and map buried objects and voids beneath the surface.

• Experienced Team: Our team has extensive experience in identifying and analyzing subsurface anomalies, ensuring that all potential risks are detected and mitigated before they impact your project.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our detection services are conducted in full compliance with New Zealand’s safety and construction standards, ensuring that your project meets all regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Buried Object Detection

• Accurate detection and mapping of buried objects such as old foundations, tanks, utilities, and debris, providing essential information for safe excavation and construction planning.

Void Detection

• Identification and mapping of subsurface voids, including sinkholes, caverns, and other potential hazards, helping to prevent ground collapse and ensure site stability.

Risk Mitigation

• Providing detailed reports and mapping to support risk mitigation strategies, ensuring that buried objects and voids do not compromise the safety or success of your project.

Consultation & Reporting

• Offering expert consultation on the detection and management of buried objects and voids, with comprehensive reports that include findings, methodologies, and recommendations, supporting informed decision-making and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Buried Objects and Voids Detection ensures that your project is protected by advanced technology, expert analysis, and a commitment to safety and compliance with New Zealand’s stringent standards.

Geological structure mapping is essential for understanding subsurface conditions and guiding safe, effective project development. At LDE, we provide comprehensive Geological Structure Mapping services, using advanced geophysical techniques to accurately identify and characterize subsurface geological features, ensuring your project’s success across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Geological Structure Mapping?

• In-depth Geological Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in mapping and interpreting geological structures, providing critical insights that inform site selection, design, and construction decisions.

• Advanced Geophysical Techniques: We use state-of-the-art tools, including seismic surveys, resistivity imaging, and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), to deliver detailed and accurate geological maps.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our geological structure mapping services are conducted in full compliance with New Zealand’s geotechnical and environmental standards, ensuring reliable data that meets all regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Subsurface Geological Mapping

• Detailed mapping of subsurface geological structures, including faults, folds, and rock formations, providing essential data for foundation design, resource extraction, and risk assessment.

Structural Analysis

• Comprehensive analysis of geological structures to assess their impact on site stability, including fault activity, rock strength, and potential for seismic hazards.

3D Geological Modeling

• Creation of 3D geological models that visualize subsurface structures, supporting project planning, design, and risk management with a clear understanding of geological conditions.

Seismic and Resistivity Surveys

• Conducting seismic and resistivity surveys to gather high-resolution data on subsurface geological structures, supporting accurate mapping and risk assessment.

Consultation & Reporting

• Offering expert consultation on geological structure mapping and its implications for your project, with comprehensive reports that document findings, methodologies, and recommendations, ensuring informed decision-making and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Geological Structure Mapping needs ensures that your project is guided by accurate, detailed subsurface data, advanced geophysical techniques, and adherence to New Zealand’s stringent standards, laying the foundation for safe and successful project outcomes.

Geomorphic and geological geohazard mapping is vital for identifying potential risks and ensuring the safety of infrastructure and communities. At LDE, we provide expert Geomorphic and Geological Geohazard Mapping services, using advanced geophysical techniques to assess and map geohazards such as landslides, erosion, and fault activity, ensuring your projects are built on solid, informed foundations across New Zealand.

Why Choose LDE for Geomorphic and Geological Geohazard Mapping?

• Specialized Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in geomorphology and geology, offering detailed mapping and analysis of geohazards that could impact your project’s safety and success.

• Advanced Mapping Techniques: We use state-of-the-art geophysical tools, including remote sensing, GIS, and field surveys, to accurately identify and map potential geohazards.

• NZ Standards Compliance: Our geohazard mapping services are conducted in full compliance with New Zealand’s geotechnical and environmental standards, ensuring reliable data that meets all regulatory requirements.

Key Services:

Landslide and Erosion Mapping

• Identification and mapping of areas prone to landslides and erosion, providing critical data for risk assessment, mitigation planning, and safe site development.

Fault Activity Mapping

• Detailed mapping of active and inactive fault lines, assessing their potential impact on site stability and informing seismic risk management strategies.

Flood and Debris Flow Hazard Assessment

• Mapping and analysis of floodplains and potential debris flow paths, helping to mitigate the risks associated with these natural hazards in site planning and infrastructure design.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

• Developing tailored geohazard mitigation strategies based on mapping results, including slope stabilization, drainage improvements, and land-use planning recommendations.

Consultation & Reporting

• Offering expert consultation on geomorphic and geological geohazard risks, with comprehensive reports that document findings, methodologies, and recommendations, supporting informed decision-making and compliance.

Choosing LDE for your Geomorphic and Geological Geohazard Mapping ensures that your project is supported by accurate, detailed geohazard data, advanced mapping techniques, and adherence to New Zealand’s stringent standards, safeguarding your development from potential risks.