EARTH SCIENCES

The Earth Sciences Laboratory comprises Geophysics, Earthquake Engineering, Tracer Hydrology, Hydrogeology and Vibration Technology Divisions. The laboratory undertakes studies for foundation evaluation, source and path of seepage, seismic surveillance and seismic design parameters for major projects.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

  • Micro earthquake and strong-motion studies for water resources projects

  • Evaluation of site-specific design seismic parameters (accelerograms and response spectra)

  • Delineation and evaluation of bedrock profile for massive water control structures

  • Evaluation of dynamic Young’s and shear moduli of subsurface strata

  • Location of shear zones, faults and buried river courses

  • Location of groundwater resources

  • Delineation of sub-bottom stratigraphy and 3D mapping of sea/reservoir bed

  • Detection of source and path of seepage through structures and their foundations

  • Measurement of earth resistivity for power houses and other applications

  • Detection of burried pipelines, tanks and contaminant plumes

  • Determination of in situ engineering and hydrological parameters of subsurface strata

  • Dynamic response analysis of structures by forced and ambient vibrations

  • Seismic qualification tests on shake table

  • Controlled blast studies for safety of nearby structures at construction sites

  • Detection of cracks and evaluation of quality of concrete and masonry by non-destructive sonic and ultrasonic techniques

  • Estimation of in-situ dynamic properties of foundation soil

FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT

  • Ground Penetrating Radar

  • 24-Channel Land Seismic Reflection and Refraction Seismographs

  • Borehole Acoustic Logging System

  • Multi-Electrode Resistivity Imaging System

  • High Resolution Chirp Sonar Reflection System

  • Side Scan Sonar, Dual frequency Echo Sounder

  • Ultrasonic Velocity Measuring System

  • Magnetometer and Gravimeter

  • Borehole Logging Instruments

  • Surface Density and Moisture Gauges

  • Fluoro Meter, Conductivity Meter, pH Meter

  • Electrodynamic Vibration Test System

  • Vibration Measuring and Data Acquisition Systems

  • Engineering Seismographs

  • Various types of Seismometers and Accelerograms

  • Micro Earthquake and Strong-motion Recorders

  • Block vibration Test Equipment


 




SOME MAJOR STUDIES

  • Dams : Srisailam, Almatti, Harangi, Tala and Sankosh (Bhutan), Teesta, Narmadasagar, Pancheshwar, Rihand, Itezhitezhi (Zambia), Tipaimukh, Subansiri, Jamrani, Idukki, Kadana, Nagarjunasagar,Dudhganga, Pawna, Koyna, Omkareshwar, Hidkal, Sardar Sarovar, Kalinadi, Pench, Tapovan-Vishnugad, Lata-Tapovan, Loharinagpala

  • Thermal Power Stations : Khaperkheda, Kayamkulam, Koradi, Anpara, Vindhyachal, Maithon, Mangalore, Chandrapur, Dahanu, Vijaywada

  • Atomic Power Projects : Tarapur, Kudankulam, Kaiga, Kakrapar, Rajasthan

  • Ports : Karwar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam,Kandla, Ennore

  • Canals : Tungabhadra, Nangal, Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana