Event Details:
In-person: Level 2, Club York, 99 York St, Sydney 2000
Speaker: Andrew Spyrou, a Principal Geophysicist at GBG Group
Zoom: Please click here to register for the event and attend online
Geophysical Investigations for Assessing Erosional Vulnerability Along the Western Australia Coast
Abstract:
This study presents the application of integrated geophysical and geotechnical investigations to assess erosion vulnerability along Western Australia’s sandy coastline. Investigations were undertaken at multiple coastal settlements identified as at risk from coastal erosion and inundation. A multi-method approach combining ground geophysical techniques, intrusive testing and drone-based survey was used to characterise near-surface stratigraphy and develop 3D subsurface models. These models were used to map sediment thickness, identify subsurface layering, and delineate the depth and continuity of erosion-resistant units that may influence shoreline stability and the inland progression of erosion.
Results across the study sites show a consistent stratigraphic sequence of unconsolidated sands overlying variably weathered and competent calcarenite, with strong correlation between geophysically derived shear wave velocities and tip resistance data from intrusive testing. The integrated datasets enabled confident interpretation of subsurface conditions and the development of spatial models to support erosion risk assessment and coastal planning.
About the Speaker:
Andrew has over 20 years of experience delivering geophysical investigations for geotechnical, environmental, mining, and infrastructure projects across Australia. He joined GBG Group in 2006 as a graduate geophysicist in Sydney, relocating to Perth in 2012 to manage the Western Australian operations, and returning to Sydney in 2025 as Principal Geophysicist overseeing company-wide activities. Andrew specialises in the design, acquisition, and interpretation of multi-method geophysical surveys, integrating geophysical, geotechnical, geological and spatial datasets to support engineering design and risk assessment. He has extensive experience in coastal investigations, with a particular focus on subsurface characterisation to inform erosion risk, shoreline stability, and infrastructure exposure. In addition to his technical expertise, Andrew provides leadership across project delivery and team development, and acts as a specialist consultant in survey design and independent third-party technical review.
