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Sometimes
the quick and dirty approach costs more
Settlement, subsidence,
lateral creep and slope failure problems are not always amenable to simple
analysis or recommendations based on empirical calculations. In many
cases, the observational approach to these problems can provide a more
practical evaluation and cost-effective solution. The most common approach
is to make measurements using simple survey techniques, but there are many
situations where this approach will provide misleading information and
narrow perspective. Site-specific monitoring over extended time periods
can be the only valid approach for assessment of changing conditions and
risk. This requires the use of geotechnical instrumentation and, in some
cases, it is attractive to use remote automated monitoring.
"London
Bridge is falling down, and there is a problem with my cable TV!"
Time Domain
Reflectometry (TDR) is commonly known as "cable radar" and has
been used primarily by the cable TV and communications industries to find
problems in coaxial cable. This time tested technology has been adapted to
monitor movement of foundations and slopes as well as changes in
groundwater conditions and soil moisture. Coaxial cables and probes are
being used for remote automated surveillance of large volumes of soil or
rock with a single instrument.
GCI has
expanded service available to its clients
GCI has formed a
subsidiary, GeoTDR, which will be directed by Kevin M. O'Connor, Ph.D., a
Professional Engineer with over 20 years of experience with geotechnical
instrumentation including TDR. He founded GeoTDR, Inc. in 1996 to pursue
geotechnical, environmental, and infrastructure applications of TDR
technology. Kevin has been intimately involved with all aspects of design,
field installation, data acquisition, analysis. and interpretation and is
nationally known. His experience with the mining industry, State
DOT's and the public sector will expand GCI's scope of clients. Services
that GCI currently provide to private sector clients will be expanded by
Kevin's experience in risk assessment for subsidence and slope stability.
His experience with design and installation of early warning systems for
critical structures over abandoned mines and near unstable slopes will be
particularly pertinent to GCI's clients.
How can we
help you?
GCI is excited about
Kevin's affiliation with our firm. We welcome questions regarding GeoTDR
and how this technology can help you with your projects. To learn more
about GeoTDR, contact GCI @ (614) 895-1400 or
e-mail us: GCI@GCI2000.com , KOConnor@GCI2000.com or
Info@GeoTDR.com
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