Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) using Both Rayleigh and Love Waves to Characterize Site Conditions

Since its inception in the late 1990s, the multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method has become increasingly common for geotechnical site characterization purposes. In most applications, MASW estimates the subsurface stiffness based on analyzing the measured dispersion behavior of Rayleigh waves (i.e., MASRW) at a site. The Rayleigh waves are typically generated using vertical impacts on the ground surface, which develop coupled P-SV wave energy. Much research has been devoted to various aspects of MASRW, including optimization of survey parameters and the development of robust inversion algorithms. However, little work has been devoted to better understanding the effects of using horizontally-polarized Love waves in MASW investigations (i.e., MASLW), despite evidence to support advantages in their use at particular sites. For example, much of the basic information regarding optimal field data acquisition (i.e., source effects, near-field limitations, and receiver spacing) is unavailable or not quantified on the basis of experimental studies that compare MASRW and MASLW at the same location. This paper presents results from ongoing research that explores the role of source type, source offset, and receiver spacing on MASLW data in the field. In this particular study, MASW was used with both Rayleigh and Love waves to characterize conditions at the same site location. Multiple source offsets and receiver spacings were used to generate the dispersion curves and collocation of the arrays and sources allowed comparison between the results from Rayleigh waves and Love waves. There was considerable agreement between the resulting shear wave velocity profiles, though there were some subtle differences in interpretation of the dispersion images and in optimal experimental parameters. This paper summarizes conditions at the site and configuration of the experiments, followed by a discussion of data analysis and interpretation.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784480441.068
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780784480441
• Supplemental Notes:
  • © 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Mahvelati, Siavash
  • Coe, Joseph Thomas
• Conference:
  • Geotechnical Frontiers 2017
  • Location: Orlando Florida, United States
  • Date: 2017-3-12 to 2017-3-15
• Publication Date: 2017

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Monograph Title: Geotechnical Frontiers 2017: Transportation Facilities, Structures, and Site Investigation

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Data analysis; Geotechnical engineering; Rayleigh waves; S waves
• Uncontrolled Terms: Love waves; Site investigation
• Subject Areas: Data and Information Technology; Geotechnology; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01687104
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780784480441
• Files: TRIS, ASCE
• Created Date: Nov 27 2018 9:26AM