Prof. John Reynolds will give a presentation on "The role of engineering geophysics during economic austerity". He will describe the benefits of using geophysical techniques in ground investigations through case studies. Integrating modern technology in data acquisition and analysis has revolutionized geophysics over the last decade by allowing 3D ground models to be exported to various software formats. Several examples will show where geophysics has not been used effectively and guidance will be provided on better survey design. The presentation will conclude with case studies of how geophysics informed major tunnel construction strategies.

1. North West Regional Group
Meeting
Thursday 10th November 2011
“The role of engineering geophysics during economic austerity”
Prof. John M. Reynolds, Managing Director, Reynolds International Ltd
Financial cuts, budget squeezes, reduced spending -
Prof. John M. Reynolds,
none of us needs reminding of the prevailing difficult Managing Director,
economic conditions. Where project finances are under Reynolds International
increasing scrutiny there is pressure to reduce costs and Ltd – John Reynolds is a
one, arguably incorrect, way is to reduce the funding for Chartered Geologist and
ground investigations. European Geologist, and
has worked in applied
The presentation will start with a description of the geophysics since 1977.
range of benefits of using engineering geophysical He spent five years
techniques in ground investigations through a number working with the British
of case histories. The combined use of geophysical Antarctic Survey in
methods with traditional intrusive testing is Cambridge, where he
demonstrably more effective than either approach completed his PhD,
without the other. followed by 18 months as a Groundwater Geophysicist
in West Africa. He taught near-surface geophysics and
The integration of increasingly powerful modern environmental management at Plymouth for seven
technology in both data acquisition and analysis have years. He returned to consultancy in 1991 and
revolutionised engineering geophysics over the last established his own geophysical consultancy practice
decade. It is now possible to produce integrated 3D in 1994. He is the author of the internationally
ground models that can be exported in a wide variety of acclaimed textbook “An introduction to applied and
software formats. This allows engineers to import the environmental geophysics” (2nd edition, April 2011)
geophysical results directly into their own software and is an internationally-sought after speaker at
domains so streamlining the flow of information, international conferences. He was appointed to an
increasing efficiency and reducing the scope for data Honorary Professorship at Aberystwyth University in
transmittal errors, and ultimately reducing costs. 2005.
Several examples will also be presented of where He has been involved in managing geophysical
geophysical techniques have not been used as well as projects for some of the UK’s largest infrastructure
they might in order to highlight key points. Most projects and for a growing number of major offshore
geophysical surveys are designed the wrong way wind farm projects around UK waters as well as for a
around and guidance will be provided as to how to wide range of other projects throughout the UK and
remedy this. Inadequate and ineffective use of internationally.
engineering geophysics is an ongoing issue especially,
but not exclusively, within the offshore wind farm
Thursday 10th November 2011 6.30pm
industry. Examples will be presented of what has gone
Venue: The University of Manchester, Williamson
wrong, why and how more effective use of geophysics
Building, Lecture Theatre. The Williamson Building is
results in financial benefits that can exceed the cost of
located on Oxford Road at the corner with Brunswick
the geophysical surveys many times over.
Street, postcode M13 9PL.
The presentation will conclude with case histories of
Organised by the North West Regional Group of the
how geophysical methods have been used to inform
Geological Society of London
major tunnel construction strategies that have been vital
www.geolsoc.org.uk/nwrg
to the ultimate success of the projects.
geologicalsociety.northwest@gmail.com
CPD: These events may be considered for contributing to a
recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme as
part of personal development. Delegates should check their
individual scheme requirements
www.reynolds-international.co.uk The Geological Society of London is a registered charity No 210161