Evaluate foundation materials (soil and rock) and their strengths, which assist engineers to design foundations and structures.
Locate and evaluate fault structures and zones near a proposed dam that are potential sources of earthquakes.
Existing dam evaluation
Evaluate the materials (strength properties) in existing dams to see if they match design expectations. This includes borehole measurements in foundations, impact echo and hardness measurements of concrete to test strength, and so on.
Test and see if drains are working properly.
Look for slip zones (like fault offsets) in embankment dams that would indicate earthquake damage or zones of incipient failure.
Locate cavities and washouts.
Locate seepage zones.
Evaluate concrete and rebar deterioration.
Locate and evaluate fault structures and zones near an existing dam that are potential sources of earthquake energy.
