Latest news with #GroundPenetratingRadar
The Sun
21-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
M'sia sent techincal experts to recent IAEA NDT expert mission
KUALA LUMPUR: The involvement of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) in the five-day Non-destructive Testing (NDT) expert mission conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Myanmar from April 28 to May 2 showcases the country's capabilities in providing technical experts of international standards in nuclear technology. Nuclear Malaysia said that its involvement in the mission made Malaysia an active contributor to the safety of the global nuclear technology based infrastructure and left a significant positive impact on the country in terms of recognition of technical expertise and exposure, and strengthens its role as IAEA's strategic partner. The mission was also part of the international commitment towards the post-disaster safety of infrastructure following the earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28. 'Experienced IAEA experts Dr Mohd Noorul Ikhsan Mohamed (Malaysia), Nor Azreen Masenwat (Malaysia) and Abel Domato Jayo (Spain), as well as a technical officer from the IAEA headquarters Gerardo Maghella Seminario were part of the mission. 'They used various NDT techniques including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Infrared Thermography, Rebound Hammer, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Rebar Locator to assess the true conditions of building structures affected by the earthquake,' the agency said. The approach enables comprehensive inspections without damaging the original structure and is vital in determining the safety level and suitability for continuous usage, especially after a disaster. 'According to the IAEA, the mission aimed to identify the gaps in local capacity in post-disaster rehabilitation and to strengthen Myanmar's capability in NDT technology in line with international standards. 'Such assessments are part of the IAEA's continuous initiatives in countries like Mexico (2017), Albania (2019), Ecuador (2023), Turkiye (2024) and Syria (2024),' the agency said. Nuclear Malaysia also stressed that the involvement of academics and technical experts from local universities and agencies strengthened the mission objectives, making the collaboration a model for international cooperation in tackling post-disaster civil engineering challenges effectively and sustainably.
The Sun
21-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
M'sia sent techincal experts to recent IAEA NDT expert mission in Myanmar
KUALA LUMPUR: The involvement of the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (Nuclear Malaysia) in the five-day Non-destructive Testing (NDT) expert mission conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Myanmar from April 28 to May 2 showcases the country's capabilities in providing technical experts of international standards in nuclear technology. Nuclear Malaysia said that its involvement in the mission made Malaysia an active contributor to the safety of the global nuclear technology based infrastructure and left a significant positive impact on the country in terms of recognition of technical expertise and exposure, and strengthens its role as IAEA's strategic partner. The mission was also part of the international commitment towards the post-disaster safety of infrastructure following the earthquake that hit Myanmar on March 28. 'Experienced IAEA experts Dr Mohd Noorul Ikhsan Mohamed (Malaysia), Nor Azreen Masenwat (Malaysia) and Abel Domato Jayo (Spain), as well as a technical officer from the IAEA headquarters Gerardo Maghella Seminario were part of the mission. 'They used various NDT techniques including Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Infrared Thermography, Rebound Hammer, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) and Rebar Locator to assess the true conditions of building structures affected by the earthquake,' the agency said. The approach enables comprehensive inspections without damaging the original structure and is vital in determining the safety level and suitability for continuous usage, especially after a disaster. 'According to the IAEA, the mission aimed to identify the gaps in local capacity in post-disaster rehabilitation and to strengthen Myanmar's capability in NDT technology in line with international standards. 'Such assessments are part of the IAEA's continuous initiatives in countries like Mexico (2017), Albania (2019), Ecuador (2023), Turkiye (2024) and Syria (2024),' the agency said. Nuclear Malaysia also stressed that the involvement of academics and technical experts from local universities and agencies strengthened the mission objectives, making the collaboration a model for international cooperation in tackling post-disaster civil engineering challenges effectively and sustainably.
Irish Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Science
- Irish Daily Mirror
Archaeologists' Noah's Ark 'discovery' as they 'find' remains of Biblical boat
An explosive find by archaeologists using radar has unearthed potential remnants of Noah's ark in Turkey, complete with a "chemical imprint" and wooden residues. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) technology revealed what looked like "pieces of wood and in the ground" and "the shape of a hall", suggesting evidence of the Biblically famed ark that is said to have preserved life from a great flood over 4,300 years ago. At Durupinar Formation near Mount Ararat, an American research team has found hints of angular structures and a hidden void deep within the earth. Independent researcher Andrew Jones of Noah's Ark Scans utilised ground-penetrating radar indicating the presence of a 13-foot tunnel at the heart of the site. Further GPR analysis suggests the existence of central and side corridors or hallways inside the ancient vessel, with three distinct layers beneath the surface, mirroring the Biblical description of the ark's triple decks. Genesis 6:16 states, "Make a roof for the ark, and finish it to a cubit above, and set the door of the ark in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks." Reflecting on the findings, Andrew shared with The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN): "We're not expecting something that's fully preserved. What's left is the chemical imprint, pieces of wood and in the ground, the shape of a hall.", reports the Mirror US. Less than a hundred years ago, the world was unaware of the Durupínar Formation, located a mere 18 miles south of Turkey's highest peak, Mount Ararat. It wasn't until heavy rains and earthquakes struck the area in May 1948 that the formation was revealed, almost by accident, after the elements washed away the mud concealing it—a Kurdish shepherd being the first to encounter it. Noah's Ark's final resting place is said to be on the "mountains of Ararat" in the Bible, after a catastrophic 150-day flood supposedly eradicated all life not aboard the vessel. This particular formation is intriguingly situated near a mountain that could pass for the ark's described proportions and appearance. The dimensions of Noah's Ark are biblically cited as "300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30 cubits high"—that's around 515 feet by 86 feet by 52 feet, sparking fierce debate about whether the ark really came to rest on Mount Ararat. Although many scientists regard the formation simply as a quirk of nature, there are those who see potential evidence of something more astonishing. Amongst them is the team at Noah's Ark Scans who advocate the extraordinary viewpoint. CBN News recently caught up with Andrew from Noah's Ark Scans who shared new insights from the ongoing independent research conducted at the Durupınar site. The investigative scans have identified angular subterranean formations, some as far down as 20 feet – potentially hinting at enclosed spaces under what might once have been a deck. In Genesis 6:14, the Bible describes the ark: "Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. " Andrew highlighted: "This is not what you'd expect to see if the site were simply a solid block of rock or the result of random mudflow debris. "But it is exactly what you'd expect to find if this were a man-made boat, consistent with the biblical specifications of Noah's Ark." The team has also conducted soil testing, uncovering what Andrew described as "some interesting things." He said: "We noticed that the grass growing within the boat-shaped formation is a different colour compared to the area just outside it," suggesting this could indicate a man-made origin rather than a natural one. William Crabtree, another member of Noah's Ark Scans, noted that a tunnel appears to run from the tip of the formation toward the middle, and it is large enough to walk through. He also discussed their soil analysis, noting that organic matter was found to be twice as high inside the formation compared to the surrounding soil. "The potassium levels inside are also about 40 percent higher," William said. He further explained: "If you know soil science-as I'm a soil scientist-you'll understand that potassium levels, organic matter, and pH can all be influenced by decaying organic material. If this was a wooden boat and the wood had rotted over time, we would expect to see elevated levels of potassium, changes in pH, and higher organic content-and that's exactly what we're finding." Andrew and his team are set to expand their soil testing efforts beyond the 22 samples they have already collected. They also plan to conduct a core drilling survey and perform additional ground-penetrating radar scans around the site. "We want to compare what's inside the formation to what's outside," Andrew declared. "That could give us a much clearer picture of whether this is truly something man-made. ".
The Star
27-04-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Seoul steps up sinkhole prevention efforts after fatal accidents
On March 24, a 20-metre-wide and 18-metre-deep sinkhole formed in Gangdong-gu, eastern Seoul. -- PHOTO: REUTERS SEOUL (The Korea Herald/ANN): The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on April 27 that it will introduce a ground subsidence monitoring network to prevent further sinkhole accidents. Safety accidents involving sinkholes have drawn attention recently, after a 20-meter-wide and 18-meter-deep sinkhole formed in Gangdong-gu, eastern Seoul, on March 24, swallowing a motorcyclist who was declared dead the day after. As numerous sinkhole sightings have been reported since, public concern over the phenomenon has grown significantly, with up to 50 locations in the capital city alone identified as at risk of sinkhole formation. The new ground subsidence monitoring network, according to the city government, involves installing a bat-shaped column sensor 20 m underground. The sensor's antenna detects changes in geological layers within a 50 m radius and transmits the information to the central monitoring station. If anomalies are identified, appropriate measures will be taken by the authorities. This is also an upgrade from the Ground Penetrating Radar system previously used by the city government, which emits high-frequency electromagnetic waves from the surface into the ground to detect sinkholes based on the reflected signals. Though the GPR system has been used nationwide, it is effective only up to around 2 m underground. By May, the Seoul Metropolitan Government stated that it would install the new monitoring network at a construction site located near the site of the large sinkhole that formed in late March. At the time of that accident, construction work was underway near the site to extend Seoul Subway Line No. 9, which the city government suspended, noting that the project could not be ruled out as a possible cause of the sinkhole. As most large sinkholes begin to form 10 meters underground, the new monitoring network is seen as a more effective way to prevent sinkhole accidents while overcoming the limitations of GPR surveys. However, the new ground subsidence monitoring network is not a perfect solution. While GPR systems can be moved throughout Seoul on vehicles, the monitoring network can only take measurements in specific locations where sensors are installed. Due to such limitations, the city government added that it will install the ground subsidence monitoring network system at large construction sites like the one in Gangdong-gu while expanding GPR surveys for other major excavation sites. Separately from the city, the central government included 2.27 billion won (S$2.08 million) in its supplementary budget to support ground exploration efforts. However, it is unclear whether such spending will be effective, as even with additional equipment purchases, the limited depth of exploration reduces the overall effectiveness of these measures. This is because most of the sinkholes discovered so far have formed near large construction sites, where machines dig deep underground. The central government will use part of its budget to invest in GPR systems. Aware of the technical limitations, the government considered introducing GPR systems that penetrate deeply underground - though the plan fell through earlier this year due to concerns that its performance had not yet been sufficiently verified. -- THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Climate
- Straits Times
Seoul steps up sinkhole prevention efforts after fatal accidents
SEOUL - The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on April 27 that it will introduce a ground subsidence monitoring network to prevent further sinkhole accidents. Safety accidents involving sinkholes have drawn attention recently, after a 20-meter-wide and 18-meter-deep sinkhole formed in Gangdong-gu, eastern Seoul, on March 24, swallowing a motorcyclist who was declared dead the day after. As numerous sinkhole sightings have been reported since, public concern over the phenomenon has grown significantly, with up to 50 locations in the capital city alone identified as at risk of sinkhole formation. The new ground subsidence monitoring network, according to the city government, involves installing a bat-shaped column sensor 20 m underground. The sensor's antenna detects changes in geological layers within a 50 m radius and transmits the information to the central monitoring station. If anomalies are identified, appropriate measures will be taken by the authorities. This is also an upgrade from the Ground Penetrating Radar system previously used by the city government, which emits high-frequency electromagnetic waves from the surface into the ground to detect sinkholes based on the reflected signals. Though the GPR system has been used nationwide, it is effective only up to around 2 m underground. By May, the Seoul Metropolitan Government stated that it would install the new monitoring network at a construction site located near the site of the large sinkhole that formed in late March. At the time of that accident, construction work was underway near the site to extend Seoul Subway Line No. 9, which the city government suspended, noting that the project could not be ruled out as a possible cause of the sinkhole. As most large sinkholes begin to form 10 meters underground, the new monitoring network is seen as a more effective way to prevent sinkhole accidents while overcoming the limitations of GPR surveys. However, the new ground subsidence monitoring network is not a perfect solution. While GPR systems can be moved throughout Seoul on vehicles, the monitoring network can only take measurements in specific locations where sensors are installed. Due to such limitations, the city government added that it will install the ground subsidence monitoring network system at large construction sites like the one in Gangdong-gu while expanding GPR surveys for other major excavation sites. Separately from the city, the central government included 2.27 billion won (S$2.08 million) in its supplementary budget to support ground exploration efforts. However, it is unclear whether such spending will be effective, as even with additional equipment purchases, the limited depth of exploration reduces the overall effectiveness of these measures. This is because most of the sinkholes discovered so far have formed near large construction sites, where machines dig deep underground. The central government will use part of its budget to invest in GPR systems. Aware of the technical limitations, the government considered introducing GPR systems that penetrate deeply underground - though the plan fell through earlier this year due to concerns that its performance had not yet been sufficiently verified. THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
