A Comparative Analysis of 2-D MASW Shear Wave Velocity Profiling Technique

 

Thanop Thitimakorn

Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering,
University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65409, USA

Neil Anderson

Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering,
University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65409, USA

David Hoffman

National Hazards Mitigation Research Institute,
277 Butler Carlton Hall, 1870 Miner Circle, Rolla, MO 65409, USA

Ahmed Ismail

Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering,
University of Missouri-Rolla, Rolla, MO 65409, USA

ABSTRACT

Multi-channel surface wave data were acquired along near-linear traverses at four separate test sites in southeast Missouri. Each of the acquired surface wave data sets were processed using multichannel analysis of surface wave (MASW) software and transformed into 2-D MASW shear-wave velocity profiles. Shear-wave velocity control extends from the surface to sub-bedrock depths.

The interpreted 2-D MASW shear wave velocity profiles were compared to available crosshole seismic and seismic cone penetrometer shear wave velocity data, and to borehole (depth to bedrock) and cone penetrometer control provided by the Missouri Department of Transportation. The 2-D MASW profiles correlate very well with available geotechnical and subsurface velocity control, supporting the conclusion that the MASW technique can be used to generate reliable and interpretable 2-D shear-wave velocity profiles of the shallow subsurface.

Keywords: Shear wave velocity, Surface wave, MASW, SCPT

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