On the radioactive marker technique for in-situ compaction measurements:
a critical review
M. Ferronato, M. Frigo, L. Gazzola, P. Teatini, C. Zoccarato
Dept. of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
The regular monitoring of the relative position of a sequence of radioactive
bullets shot through the well of a vertical borehole can provide in-situ
measurements of deep rock compaction. Developed in the '70s, this technology
has experienced a growing interest in the '90s, but in recent years, its use
and relevance in land subsidence management above producing hydrocarbon
reservoirs have been often debated. The present communication analyses the
state of the art of the radioactive marker technique and provides a critical
review on the role that these measurements might play in the future evolution
of land subsidence monitoring and modelling.
