Shear wave profiling in Taiwan

The spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) method is a non-invasive approach for evaluating the shear wave velocity characteristics of potentially liquefiable ground. We array small, lightweight sensors on the surface and collect vibrations produced with a small frequency-controlled electro-mechanical shaker (shown here).  SASW is particularly useful for lightweight reconnaissance surveys and profiling difficult materials such as gravely sand where conventional truck-based penetration methods are not practical. The dispersive nature of surface waves serves as the basis of the SASW method.