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THE APPLICATION OF MASW FOR GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS: STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

Conference Paper · January 2018

DOI: 10.1130/abs/2018NC-313290

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Abdullah Alhaj Evgeniy Torgashov

Missouri University of Science and Technology Missouri University of Science and Technology
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The Application of MASW for Geotechnical Investigation (Site Characterization): Strengths and Limitations
Abdullah Alhaj*, Neil Anderson, and Evgeniy Torgashov
Department of Geosciences and Geological and Authors
PetroleumorEngineering,
Reserachers Missouri University of Science and Technology,
Rolla, MO 65409, USA
Department or Organization

Introduction
Objective:
Results and Discussions
Multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW)
method is a nondestructive seismic method, which is MASW advantages:
widely used for geotechnical investigations; including 1-Rapid and cost-effective technique.
but not limited to engineering properties of soil, 2-Reiable method for site characterization and
variable depth to bedrock, or as a supportive determining shear wave velocity.
geophysical method with other geophysical methods 3-Simplicity on analyzing and interpreting the results.
such as ERT, SCPT, borehole, etc. MASW is a rapid and
cost-effective method to calculate 1D shear wave
velocity profile of subsurface. However, this technique
MASW disadvantages:
1- Sometimes, it requires integrated geophysical
has some limitations that can affect its utility such as
techniques to increase the reliability of interpreted data
the short depth of investigation, invisible thin layers,
and reduce results ambiguity.
and lateral and vertical averaging of the acquired field
2-Invisible thin layers.
data. An overview about MASW is addressed including
3-Short depth of investigation.
its strengths and limitations.
4-Laterial and vertical averaging of acquired data.
Introduction :
Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) Figure 1: Active MASW data acquisition [2]
method is one of the seismic survey methods which is
utilized to evaluate the elastic condition (stiffness) of
the subsurface for geotechnical engineering purposes. Conclusion
MASW first analyzes seismic surface waves generated
from various types of seismic sources such as sledge The overview of MASW method discussed its
Figure 2: Principle of MASW [2]
hammer to determine the phase velocities of these applicability and understanding its strengths and
surface waves, and then finally, calculate the shear- limitations for better applying this technique for
wave velocity (Vs) variations of the subsurface. Under geotechnical investigations. The main advantages of
most circumstances, Vs is a direct indicator of the this method are the cost effectiveness , rapidness and
ground strength (stiffness) and therefore commonly simplicity on analyzing and interpreting the results.
used to derive load-bearing capacity. After a relatively however, there are some disadvantage such as short
simple procedure, final Vs information is provided in 1- depth of investigation , invisible thin layers, and
D, 2-D, and 3-D formats that can provide us with the averaging of acquired data of the subsurface.
geotechnical characteristics of the subsurface material
[1].
Figure 5: 2D Vs map from an Multiple 1D shear wave Acknowledgements
profiles . (Kansas Geological Survey)
Methodology • Dr. Neil Anderson and Dr. Evgeniy Torgashov
faculty members of geological engineering
The simplicity of using MASW makes it a program at Missouri S&T.
straightforward method for geotechnical application. • Hadhramout Establishment for Human
Figure 3: Dispersion curve (phase shear velocity vs frequency)
The seismograph records the wave velocity (V) of the Development (HEHD).
subsurface interfaces as Rayleigh (VR) by vertical
polarized motion detectors. By knowing the two-way
travel time (ΔT) of the signal and the depth (Z) of Figure 4: 1D Shear velocity profile
References
which the signal reflected as expressed in the equation
[1] http://www.masw.com
below:
[2]Kansas Geological Survey
[3] Cox, Brady (2010)
V=2Z/ΔT

The first step is to acquire the data as a form of

seismic profile (figure 3) then convert it to a Contact
dispersion curve (figure 4) and finally generate the Abdullah Al-haj
shear velocity profile Vs (figure 5). Multiple 1-D Vs M.Sc. Candidate
profile generate a 2D Vs (figure 6), to understand the Figure 6: Site Classification by Shear Velocity [3] Dept. of Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum
geology of the subsurface by knowing shear velocity Engineering, Missouri University of Science and
variations with depth (figure7). Technology
[email protected]
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