Effectiveness of ground improvement from spectral analysis of surface waves.

Abstract

A new method has been developed which can be used in the field to evaluate the effectiveness of ground improvement due to compaction or other means. The method is a seismic wave propagation method which involves measurement of transiently excited Rayleigh waves propagating along the ground surface. The method is fast, nondestructive, requires no boreholes, and has the potential of full automation. The effects of ground improvement can be evaluated any time during or after the construction process over depths ranging from a few centimeters to tens of meters. -Authors