It is well known that six soil testers can test a site, with six different results, so ‘due diligence’ would suggest that what is needed is a different approach, a different test type to obtain a separate opinion about the site. MASW seismic can provide that independent site characterisation. Out of all the geophysical methods MASW seismic is most suitable because the seismic wave velocity result can be matched up with material properties, the method is suitable for urban use because of low noise and ease of use with low accessibility requirements and MASW is also fast, economical and geotechnically accurate.

This paper will present case histories, where cost over runs have be avoided or could be avoided, through use of MASW seismic.

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Presenter: Earthsolve Engineer Mr. Jeremy Fredericks

Abstract— Geotechnical testing is mostly dominated by discrete methods such as drilling boreholes, different types of penetrometer testing and common compaction test methods. These methods have served the engineering profession for over a hundred years and widely accepted. New geophysical methods of testing are now available. These geophysical methods are revealing deficiencies in our current physical methods as well as providing geotechnical insight into common geotechnical problems on building sites.   These geophysical methods are revealing how to view the site as a whole as opposed to the discrete snapshot view testing methods now being used. These geophysical methods are proving to be quick and thus economical as well as maintaining accepted geotechnical accuracies. Based on research, it is possible to obtain material properties from seismic results. It will take time for geotechnical engineers to become familiar with these new methods of testing, but results using these geophysical methods indicate that the time has arrived.

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Every so often, there are technological events, which shift construction methods. The screw pier is one such example. While the screw pier has solved a problem, it has created a problem, being the need for soil testers to test sub-surface to deeper depths beyond those recommended by AS2870 for soil reactivity.  Site investigations are usually conducted to minimum costs and usually to minimum depths so as  to contain investigation costs. Seismic procedures have been used in mining for decades to detect sub-surface soil and rock profiles, but its use in urban construction has been slow, at least in Australia. The main reason is probably due to perceived extra cost  and because the procedure is new to engineering practitioners. However investigation costs should be reduced because conventional testing schedules can be reduced. It is common to specify a soil test target depth, but seismic imaging can reach depths of 10-100m+, if specified, including rock, so costs should be contained within the original quote. On every site tested using seismic technology, significant extra geotechnical information is achieved concerning the sub-surface conditions, and sometimes, unavailable by other methods, such as depth to rock, filling depth, extent of filling, This paper should be seen as a basic introduction to seismic technology only.

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