We conducted our first Norwegian airborne geoscanning survey within a larger rock slide hazard research project. In Western Norway, one million cubic meters of rock are gradually moving towards Aurlandsfjord, posing a large hazard to residents and tourists. We tested whether this technology could identify sliding planes and thereby reveal mechanisms behind this movement of rock. Indeed, the survey successfully mapped sliding planes and major weakness zones along a planned drainage tunnel alignment.

Aurlandmunicipality, E-CO Energi and the Norwegian research council funded this study. Bjørn Sture Rosenvold (Aurland Municipality), Ola Gunleiksrud (E-CO), Ulrik Domaas (NGI), and Eystein Grimstad (NGI) were the open-minded stakeholders that supported this innovative approach with success.

To increase the efficiency of soil investigations for the planning of 32 km new highway in SE Norway, we conducted the first airborne geotechnical geoscanning survey in Norway. Our aims were to map bedrock topography and reveal soil properties related to quick clay occurrence.

We conducted this pilot project within ongoing design works involving consultants from NGI and Cowi in a contract owned by the Norwegian public road administration (SVV). Arvid Sagbakken (SVV), Frode G Bjørvik (Cowi) and Steinar Herman (NGI) were the responsible geotechnical engineers that took the risk of trying an untested method in an ongoing project. The risk proved worthwhile as the survey results lead to a reduction in overall soil investigation costs.