Designed to provide highway engineers with a basic knowledge of geophysics and nondestructive (NDT) methods for solving specific transportation related problems.

Introduction -- Geophysical methods -- Information sources and general responses -- Agency practice-Methods and applications -- Agency practice-budgeting, costs, and contracting -- Agency project experience -- Conclusions and future research needs -- Glossary -- References -- Topical bibliography -- Appendices.

This book provides a practical strategy for obtaining a more complete and accurate geologic site characterization. The strategy and methods to characterize complex geologic settings are readily available. The strategy utilizes readily available technology, basic science and good, old-fashioned common sense resulting in a solid understanding of geologic and even karst or pseudokarst conditions. We provide an introduction to many off-the-shelf methods available for site characterization as well as examples of their application throughout the book. The purpose of a geologic site characterization is to understand the 3-dimensional geologic framework, along with the engineering and hydrologic properties of a site including any man-made impacts. A well-done site characterization is the cornerstone of all geotechnical, groundwater and environmental projects. The geologic conditions, particularly karst conditions, can significantly impact a site including its structural stability, groundwater pathways and potential for rapid transport or traps for contaminants. Once we have adequately characterized the geologic conditions can we carry our remediation, design and construction, model flow, and make risk assessments that are accurate and reliable.

A refreshing, up-to-date exploration of the latest developments in near-surface techniques, for advanced-undergraduate and graduate students, and professionals.