Geochemistry and its relative, hydrogeochemistry, encompass the study of the chemical makeup and behavior of subsurface soils and rocks, and of water (respectively). This includes materials that make contact with or are embedded within those soils and rocks and related materials from stoichiometric and thermodynamic standpoints.
Essentially, it is the study of the chemical reactions and processes that occur in the ground/water. This includes both the materials themselves and manmade features that rest on, make contact with, or are embedded within the ground/water such as pipelines, foundations, metallic substances, concrete, and things that are subject to attack by the chemistry of the soils/water.
Part of our understanding comes from an in-depth knowledge of the nature of the materials and their occurrence. Another part of our understanding comes from long term practical experience. Our experts at G3SoilWorks oftentimes can estimate what type of chemistry can be anticipated just by the type of soil and what its parent materials were. Our services include both an evaluation from a preliminary design standpoint and from a forensic standpoint after the fact.
Soil chemistry studies are performed to determine the chemical composition of soils to be tested. This includes analysis of the mineral, organic, and environmental influences that determine the elemental makeup of soils. This is an important tool to determine the behavior and changes soils can undergo and their performance depending on the planned project, whether it’s agricultural, developmental or otherwise.
Analysis of the chemistry of clays is done to determine the compositions and behaviors a clay material might have, and it’s a great factor in determining the type of clay on hand and its possible use or behavior. Understanding the chemistry of clays will inform the development of numerous building projects.
Soil chemistry and physics provide a knowledge base that allows for insight into the reactions and behaviors of different types of soil. The utility and behavior of soils on practical issues in geotechnical engineering and engineering geology, informing the development of land projects, resource reclamation projects, and all other endeavors that relate to soil development and use.
When poor planning is performed and data is not properly analyzed or simply disregarded, pipes can present plenty of issues form different textures. One of these issues relates to the interaction of the material the pipe is made of, the soil it’s placed in, and the pipe’s function.
Many issues with pipes relate to the elements their compounds are made of and how they interact with the type of soil they’re placed in. For copper, steel, and iron pipes, we are experts in determining the causes of pipe failures and how these pipes can interact with the soil they’re placed in.
Concrete corrosion issues arise when materials such as steel (which is used for support) starts corroding, increasing in volume and putting stress into the concrete slabs. Moreover, water in concrete, when placed, can react with steel reinforcements and create compounds that affect the concrete solution’s components to the point of compromising it. As such, we specialize in studying these type of phenomena, drawing up mitigation plans for their occurrence and performing forensic analysis for after-the-fact occurrences.
Many issues with pipes relate to the elements their compounds are made of and how they interact with the type of soil they’re placed in. For copper, steel, and iron pipes, we are experts in determining the causes of pipe failures and how these pipes can interact with the soil they’re placed in.
Concrete efflorescence happens when concrete interacts with compounds that are mixed into its composition and then exposed to humidity and low temperatures, resulting in the appearance of lime, which can become insoluble a short period after surfacing.
Well casing is done as well construction progresses by encasing, protecting and supporting a well’s underground structure as it bores down into an underground reservoir. Well casing performance tests make sure these protective layers are working properly not only in keeping the well infrastructure intact, but also in keeping contaminants from seeping into the wellstream and its materials.
We are experts in the studies and solutions for groundwater and other hydrogeological challenges that may present itself in the present and future. As such, we are able to provide inventive and methodological consultancy assistance that will dictate the success of any project and endeavor.
