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SH-wave refraction/reflection and site characterization

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Abstract

Traditionally, nonintrusive techniques used to characterize soils have been based on P-wave refraction/reflection methods. However, near-surface unconsolidated soils are oftentimes water-saturated, and when groundwater is present at a site, the velocity of the P-waves is more related to the compressibility of the pore water than to the matrix of the unconsolidated soils. Conversely, SH-waves are directly relatable to the soil matrix. This makes SH-wave refraction/reflection methods effective in site characterizations where groundwater is present. SH-wave methods have been used extensively in site characterization and subsurface imaging for earthquake hazard assessments in the central United States and western Oregon. Comparison of SH-wave investigations with geotechnical investigations shows that SH-wave refraction/reflection techniques are viable and cost-effective for engineering site characterization.
Publication type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Title SH-wave refraction/reflection and site characterization
Issue 108
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher ASCE
Publisher location Reston, VA, United States
Larger Work Title Geotechnical Special Publication
First page 126
Last page 140
Conference Title GeoDenver 2000 'Use of Geophysical Methods in Construction'
Conference Location Denver, CO, USA
Conference Date 5 August 2000 through 8 August 2000
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