Downhole IP measurements with a piezocone at mine tailings impoundments

The last decade's environmental concerns have resulted in additions to the Cone Penetration Test piezocone making it capable of measuring geophysical parameters and therefore effective at identifying anomalies. This paper describes one of the most recently developed additions, which measures the induced polarization (IP) effects. The testing site used to assess the capability of the IP-piezocone consisted of very conductive mine tailings impoundments. The piezocone was used to study the detailed stratigraphy, measure hydrogeological and geotechnical parameters and therefore provided ground truthing. The IP measuring system is described in detail. A typical IP trace is presented and discussed in combination with the resistivity piezocone profiles and parameters. Factors affecting results and application of IP measured with the piezocone are discussed.