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Radiowave Diffraction Electromagnetic Technology
Radiowave technology was developed in the former Soviet Union where it was used for geotechnical and environmental site assessment. Following successful trials in Australian conditions, Coffey Geotechnics now offers the Radiowave Diffraction Electromagnetic Method (RDEM).
This method operates at a frequency of 1.5 MHz and is the only commercial geophysical system operating in this region of the EM spectrum. RDEM responds best to variations in both dielectric constant and electrical conductivity within the 5-25 m depth region of the earth.
RDEM systems are able to operate in areas where interference from surrounding metals or magnetic fields produced by power lines would make conventional EM systems inoperable. RDEM has reduced interference from reinforced concrete slabs which severely attenuate and scatter ground-penetrating radar (GPR) signals.
RDEM is rapidly deployed and is non-destructive as no ground contact is required.
RDEM has performed successfully in numerous Australian conditions for the following applications:
- detection of old mine workings and cavities
- delineation of fill beneath concrete pavement
- location of buried tanks in soil, fill or beneath reinforced concrete slabs
- delineation of petroleum and diesel oil pollution plumes
- location and identification of buried services
- location of buried plastic drums.
