METHOD STATEMENT

Seismic Survey – MASW Method

Prepared by

MIRO BUMI ENGINEERING

No. 32A-2, Jalan Tasik Utama 7, Medan Niaga Tasik Damai,
57000 Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur.

Tel : 013 – 200 9781 (Amirul)

E-mail : [email protected]
Website : www.mirobumi.my

MIRO BUMI ENGINEERING

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(MASW METHOD)

1. INTRODUCTION
When seismic waves are generated at or near the surface, both body (P-wave and S-wave) and
surface (eg. Rayleigh, Love, etc.) waves are generated. Body wave propagate through the whole
body of the earth, whereas surface waves long the surface of the earth. In exploration and
engineering seismology, the ground roll has been treated as the most troublesome noise masking
the useful body wave fields. Figure 1 shows the propagation of active and passive surface
waves.

Figure 1: Propagation of Active and Passive surface waves

Surface waves, however, have dispersion property that body wave lack. This property is that
different wavelength has different penetration depth and therefore propagates with different
velocity. By analysing the dispersion of surface waves, one can obtain near surface velocity
profile. Figure 2 & 3 show the types of seismic wave generated in the seismic survey.

P-wave

S-wave

Figure 2: Particle motions associated with compressional waves and Shear waves

Rayleigh wave

Love wave

Figure 3: Particle motions associated with Rayleigh waves (upper caption)

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It is the shear-wave velocity (vs) profile that is obtained by analysing the ground roll. The entire
procedure of the analysis consists of three steps and they are follows as below;
• Acquisition of dispersive ground roll data,
• Construction of the dispersion curve and
• Back-calculation (inversion) of S-wave velocities from the constructed dispersion curve.
Advances in geophysical survey techniques resulted in the emergence of Multi -Channel Analysis
of Surface Waves (MASW) as one of the latest techniques used for shallow subsurface profiling,
which was developed in 1999. In the surface seismic survey using vertical sources, ground roll
usually appears with the most prominence on the multi-channel records. This yield, the
generation and recording of ground roll is easiest among all other types of seismic waves.
The spectral analysis of surface waves (MASW) technique is based on the relationship between
Rayleigh wave phase velocities and the depth-range of associated particle motion. More
specifically, in this technique, phase velocities are calculated for each component frequency of
field-recorded Rayleigh waves (active monitoring). The resultant dispersion curve (phase velocity
vs. frequency) is then inverted using a least–squares approach and a vertical shear-wave velocity
profile is generated (Miller et al., 2000; Nazarian et al., 1983; Stokoe et al., 1994; Park et. al.,
2001; Xia et al., 1999).

Shear-wave profile obtained from the ground-roll analysis is directly proportional to shear
modulus (G) which is a direct indicator of stiffness of the material and it has also been one of the
critical important tasks in geotechnical engineering. Thus, stiffness profile from the ground-roll
analysis can provide the stiffness of each subsurface layers in non-destructive and fast fashion.

2. SURFACE WAVE METHOD OF Vs PROFILING

In a layered medium in which seismic velocity changes with depth, both types of the surface
waves have dispersion property, that is indicative of elastic moduli of near-surface earth
materials: different wavelength has different penetration depth and propagates with different
velocity. Short wavelength has shallow penetration and longer one has deeper penetration.
The propagation velocity for each wavelength, called phase velocity, depends primarily
on the shear-wave velocity (vs) of the medium over the penetration depth and is influenced
only slightly by the compressional-wave velocity, density (ρ), and Poisson's ratio (σ). Therefore,
the surface-wave velocity is a good indicator of Vs (Shear wave velocity). It is normally assumed
the phase velocity of ground roll is about 92% percent of vs (Stokoe et al., 1994), and the ratio
changes between 0.88 and 0.95 for the entire range of Poisson's ratio (0.0 – 0.5) (Ewing et al.,
1957).
Therefore, by analysing the dispersion feature of ground roll represented in recorded seismic
data, the near-surface S-wave velocity (vs) profiles can be constructed and the corresponding
shear moduli (G) are calculated from the relation between the two parameters;
𝐺
𝑣𝑠 = √

𝐺 = 𝑣𝑠2

Where, the relation between the Poisson’s Ratio (), Seismic Velocities vs and vp and Elastic
Modulus (E) can be given by

𝑣𝑝2 − 2𝑣𝑠2 𝑣𝑠 0.5 −

= 𝑜𝑟 =√
2(𝑣𝑝2 − 𝑣𝑠2 ) 𝑣𝑝 1−
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𝑣𝑝 2
3 (𝑣 ) − 4
𝑠
𝐸 = 2𝐺(1 +) = 𝑣𝑠2 [ ] = 2𝑣𝑠2 (1 +)
𝑣𝑝 2
(𝑣 ) − 1
𝑠

Note: E is function of density (ρ), S-velocity (vs) and Poisson’s ratio ().
• Elastic (Young’s and Shear) moduli heavily depend om S-velocity (vs).
➢ Density (ρ) is usually assumed to be a constant value (eg. 2500 kgm-3 because it does not
change much in reality (2000 – 3000 kgm-3 at most)
➢ Calculating the Elastic modulus for a constant Poisson’s ratio (eg.  = 0.3 for rock and  =
0.45 for soil) is usually assumed, which means a constant ratio (vp/vs) between P-velocity
and S-velocity is assumed.
Change of density with depth is usually small in comparison to the change in G and is normally
ignored or guessed with the given Poisson's ratio, one can also obtain P-wave velocity (vp) profile
from vs profile.

2.1 Elastic Modulus

As described above, the Elastic Modulus is depending on the P-wave and S-wave velocities,
density and Poisson’s ratio of the subsurface ground. Table 1 shows the estimated Elastic
Modulus for different values of vp, vs,  and ;

Table 1: The calculated Elastic modulus for different values of S-wave velocities

vp/vs = 2  = 0.3333
Elastic Modulus (MPa) S-wave Velocity, vs (ms-1)
Density (kgm-3) 125 150 200 250
1700 70.8 102.0 181.3 283.3
1800 75.0 108.0 192.0 300.0
1900 79.2 114.0 202.7 316.7

Table 2: The calculated Elastic modulus for different values of S-wave velocities

vp/vs = 2.4  = 0.39496

Elastic Modulus (MPa) S-wave Velocity, vs (ms-1)
Density (kgm-3) 125 150 200 250
1700 74.1 106.7 189.7 296.4
1800 78.5 113.0 200.9 313.9
1900 82.8 119.3 212.0 331.3

3. SCOPE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This document covers the theory behind the MASW method and procedure for conducting MASW
survey on field.

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4. RELEVANT STANDARDS
There are no relevant standards available still seeking for the standards. The survey is like the
seismic refraction method “ASTM D5777-00 (Reapproved 2006)” and there is many processing
software are available in the market. MIRO BUMI is using a software, called Surfseis developed by
Kansas Geological Survey to process the Rayleigh wave data from MASW survey. There is also
other processing software available in the market and it is individual’s choice to decide the right
software to their convenient.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES
Geophysicist/Geologist is responsible to perform the field work on site and going through the
equipment list before and after performing the survey to ensure all the accessories are packed
before bringing back to the base.
Personnel not having specialized training and experience, should be cautious on using this
technique and solicit assistance from qualified practitioners.

6. METHODOLOGY

The MASW method was first introduced in 1999 is one of the seismic survey methods evaluating
the elastic condition (stiffness) of the ground for geotechnical engineering purposes. This method,
first measures seismic surface waves generated from various types of seismic sources, such as
sledge hammer, analyses the propagation velocities of those surface waves, and then finally
deduces shear-wave velocity (vs) variations below the surveyed area that is most responsible for
the analysed propagation velocity pattern of surface waves. Shear-wave velocity (vs) is one of the
elastic constants and closely related to Young’s modulus (E).
Field equipment and overall procedure for active MASW survey are explained here and Figure 4
illustrates the overall setup of the survey. The active survey is the most common type of MASW
survey that can produce a 2-D Vs profile. The maximum depth of investigation (Zmax) that can be
achieved from the survey is usually in the 10-30 m range, but this can vary with site and type of
active sources used.
6.1 Field Procedure
The field procedure of the MASW survey is similar to that of a seismic refraction survey, but
only one shot is required into the geophone array. The geophone array usually either 24 or 48-
channels, is laid in a straight line at regular interval as adopted in seismic refraction survey.
The interval between geophones is designed to capture the shortest wavelength which is
approximately equal to the shallowest resolvable depth desired. The distance of the source
from the nearest geophone of the array (“near offset”) should be greater than the maximum
depth of interest.

As the procedure of the MASW method requires a broad spectrum of data, the geophones
used for data acquisition generally have a natural frequency lower than 10Hz and 4.5Hz
geophones are commonly used in the survey.

Unlike refraction surveys, the MASW requires a data record length sufficient for transformation
from the temporal domain to frequency domain. The data length of two seconds is considered
sufficient and an interval of 0.5ms is also generally used.

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Figure 4: Schematic description of fieldwork setup with typical generation of seismic wave
To generate the seismic wave, an impulse source such as a sledgehammer or weight dropping
system as shown in Figure 5 is commonly used for its simple operation. If the depth of interest
is great requiring a large energy source such as explosive may be used.

Figure 5: Schematic of the active MASW field survey & display of collected data.

As mentioned earlier, the active survey is the most common type of MASW survey that can produce a 2-D Vs
profile. The overall setup is illustrated in Figure 6. The maximum depth of investigation (Zmax) that can be
achieved from the survey is usually in the 10-30 m range. Maximum investigation depth (Zmax) will be
determined by the longest wavelength (Lmax) of surface waves used for the analysis as Zmax ≈ 0.5Lmax. Lmax
is then governed by the impact power of the seismic source, which can be a controlled type like a sledge
hammer in an active survey.

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Figure 6: Field setup for the seismic survey by landstreamer in the MASWS method

Although spike-coupled geophones always give the highest sensitivity, the coupling provided by
a land streamer can be equally efficient and is a significant convenience in field operation as
shown in Figure 6. In fact, using a land streamer can speed data acquisition by orders of
magnitude, it is becoming one of the routine field apparatus, often operated with a small field
vehicle.

6.1.1 Recording Geometry

Figure 7 depicts the recording geometry of a typical MASW survey, with the following typical
configurations has been considered for explanation, spacing between geophone = 2.0m, offshoot
= 10.m and moveout = 10.0m.

S1 1001 1003 1012 1021 1023

LEGEND
10m 1002 1004 1013 1022 1024
1003 1005 1014 1023 1025 Geophone
S2
10m
S1 Shot & Reference
1004 1006 1015 1024 1026

S3 1005 1007 1016 1025 1027

10m 1006 1008 1017 1026 1028

1007 1009 1016 1025 1027

S4
10m 1008 1010 1017 1026 1028

S5 1009 1011 1018 1027 1029

10m 1010 1012 1019 1028 1030

Figure 7: Schematic sketch of a typical Recording Geometry of the MASW

survey
Acquisition Setup Geometry Setup

Sample Rate = 0.25ms or 0.50ms Channels on line = 24

Stack Count = 2 or 3 Unit in meter

Record Length = 1.5 sec to 2.0 sec Shot interval = 10m

Set the sensitivity of the hammer switch to Station Interval (Spacing geofon) = 2m
40% to 50%.

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6.2 Equipment List

Primary Equipment
Seismograph – Multi-channel seismographs use 24 geophones
Vertical component geophone (4.5Hz each) – 24 Nos
100m long trigger cable rolled
Hammer switch mounted on the handle of Sledge hammer

Plate 1: Seismograph – Multi-channel seismographs use 24 geophones

Consult with the client for collecting the following information;

• Layout plan of the site
• Location of the seismic survey to be carried out in the layout plan.
• Ensure there are no underground services on site.
• Check with the client any availability of borehole data or any similar test results.
• Clearance of the top vegetation prior to commence the survey.
• Available of any geotechnical reports.

6.4 Data Acquisition Parameters for Active MASW survey

Below Table shows the recommended values of survey parameters for MASW survey that have to
be considered. There can always be a tolerance of, at least,  20% to the most recommended
values. Note: All the recommended values are in meters (m)

Table 3: Data Acquisition Parameter for Active MASW survey

Receiver Spread (RS) (m) SR Move6 (dx) Recording

Depth 1
Source 2
Receiver Receiver Spacing (dx) Lateral Resolution7 Vertical Stack
Source
(Zmax) (S) (lb) (R)3 (Hz) Lengt Me
offset5 dt9 T10
h4 (D) 24-ch 48-ch High diu Low C N VN
(X1)
m
4.5-4 1-15 0.2-15 0.05-0.6 0.02-0.3 1-2 2-4 4-12 0.5-1.0 0.5-1.0 1-3 3-5 5-10
1-5 1-5 (5)
(10) (10) (2) (0.5) (0.25) (1) (2) (4) (0.5) (3) (3) (5) (10)
1-15 0.1-0.6 1-2 2-4 4-12 0.5-1.0 0.5-1.0 1-3 3-5 5-10
5-10 5-10 (10) 10 (10) 5-30 (20) 1-30 (4)
(4.5) (0.5) (1) (2) (4) (0.5) (1.0) (3) (5) (10)
10-60 0.4-2.5 0.2-1.2 1-2 2-4 4-12 0.5-1.0 1.0-2.0 1-3 3-5 5-10
10-20 10 (20) 10 (4.5) 2-60 (10)
(30) (1.5) (1.0) (1) (2) (4) (0.5) (1.0) (3) (5) (10)
4.5 20-90 0.8-3.8 0.4-1.9 1-2 2-4 4-12 0.5-1.0 1.0-2.0 1-3 3-5 5-10
20-30 10 (20) 4-90 (10)
(4.5) (50) (2.0) (1.5) (1) (2) (4) (1.0) (1.0) (3) (5) (10)
30-
4.5 6-150 0.4-2.5 0.6-3.0 1-2 2-4 4-12 0.5-1.0 1.0-3.0 1-3 3-5 5-10
30-50 10 (20) 150
(4.5) (15) (1.5) (2.0) (1) (2) (4) (1.0) (1.0) (3) (5) (10)
(70)

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7. PROCESSING OF THE COLLECTED DATA

As mentioned earlier, Surfseis is used to process the data collected by MASW method. The
common procedure for processing the data collected from MASW method usually consists of
three steps as given below;
a) Data acquisition – acquiring multichannel field records

b) Data analysis (step 1) – dispersion analysis extracting one dispersion curve from one
field record and
c) Data analysis (Step 2) – Inversion back-calculating shear wave velocity variation with
depth (called 1-D vs profile)
d) A 2-D vs map is then constructed through an appropriate interpolation scheme by placing
each 1-D vs profile at a s surface location corresponding to the middle of the receiver line.
More detailed description of using Surfseis V4 software is in the provide in the Surfseis Processing
Manual.

Figure 8: Illustration to describe the procedure for 2-D vs mapping

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Figure 11 Example result of MASW

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Figure 11 Example result of MASW to SPTN

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8. PERIOD OF WORK
This time frame was prepared to give overview flow of work. It may change due to site condition and
project specification:

DAYS
WORK ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4

1) MOBILISE TO SITE
2) FIELD SURVEY SURVEY
I- DATA ACQUISATION PROCESS
II- 2 SURVEY LINE PER/DAY
3) PROCESSING PROGRAM
I-DATA QUALITY CHECKING (RANDOM NOISE)
II-DATA QUALITY CHECKING (SYSTEMATIC NOISE)
III-2D TOMOGRAPHY
4) RESULT INTERPRETATION
I-CLASSIFICATION OF PROBLEM IN TOMOGRAPHY
II-PROBLEM ASSESSMENT AND ANALYSIST
5) PRELIMINARY REPORT WRITING
6) FINAL REPORT WRITING

9. PREPARATION OF FACTUAL REPORT

The report of the MASW shall include the following items:

i. Locations and arrangements;

ii. Work quantity and period;
iii. List of equipment actually used, material consumed and personnel engaged;
iv. Methodology employed to the interpretation;
v. Technical comments on the field works, the interpretation, the geological condition and others;
vi. Work photo in the site.

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