GEOPHYSICS AND BUILDING DIAGNOSTICS, THEIR POSSIBILITIES AND LIMITS

Abstract. Geophysical methods and building diagnostics are non-destructive measurements which can inform about quality of rocks, hydrology conditions or artificial objects (tunnels, foundation of buildings, constructions etc.). Such methods are in the principle non-destructive without impact on environment or population. Hence these methods are mostly cheaper and more acceptable than drilling, travelling with heavy machines etc. Geophysical methods study physical fields and are divided as follows: Geoelectrical methods, Seismics, Gravimetry, Magnetometry, Thermometry, Radiometry. The geophysical measurements can be carried out on a surface of terrain, in boreholes (well logging) or in the air (airborne geophysics). The non-destructive building diagnostics use mostly measurements relating to the seismic, acoustic or nuclear properties. The time-lapse monitoring of administered objects by non-destructive methods can bring beneficial and fundamental source of information about actual conditions of managed objects. Presented non-destructive measurements use sophisticated technologies and respected geophysical companies follow international and domestic standards and legislation. Geophysicists are organized mainly in international associations such as EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers) or SEG (Society of Exploration Geophysics). This paper presents typical examples of application of non-destructive methods to our practice.