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Title: Application of cone penetrometer technology in hydrogeological investigations at the Savannah River Site (SRS), South Carolina

Conference · · Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States)
OSTI ID:5935512
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  1. Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)

The Savannah River Site is currently utilizing Cone Penetrometer Testing (CPT) as a screening tool in hydrogeological investigations of waste units. CPT technology is being employed to assess the subsurface near the M-Area Settling Basin, a former waste effluent disposal basin. The cone penetrometer is being used to better characterize the geology (continuity, thickness), hydrology (potentiometric and pore pressure data), and to obtain further information about the extent of organic contaminants at this location. The cone penetrometer is also utilized for the collection of groundwater and soil samples. CPT technology includes a hydraulic system to push a sensing tool downward into the subsurface. Parameters measured by integrated Cone Penetrometer sensors include tip pressure, sleeve resistance, pore pressure, electrical resistivity, and chemical concentration by fiber optics, hydrogeological, and spatiotemporal concentration data. Liquid, vapor, and solid samples can also be taken from predetermined depths for analysis. Advantages of using CPT are: drill cuttings and fluids are not generated; borehole invasion is minimized (reducing the likelihood of spreading organic contaminants); capability exists to grout the borehole in conjunction with retrieval of the sensing tool; and, efficient data acquisition and interpretation allows for strategic and more cost-effective monitor well placement.

DOE Contract Number:
AC09-89SR18035
OSTI ID:
5935512
Report Number(s):
CONF-921058-; CODEN: GAAPBC
Journal Information:
Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs; (United States), Vol. 24:7; Conference: 1992 annual meeting of the Geological Society of America (GSA), Cincinnati, OH (United States), 26-29 Oct 1992; ISSN 0016-7592
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English