Comparative analyses of geophysical methods for determining shear wave velocity of soils

Author

Thanop Thitimakorn

Abstract

"The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) routinely acquires seismic cone penetrometer (SCPT) shear wave velocity control as part of the routine investigation of soils at highway structures or other geotechnical sites within the Mississippi Embayment. In an effort to ensure their geotechnical investigations are as effective and efficient as possible, the SCPT tool and several available alternatives (crosshole: CH; multichannel analysis of surface waves: MASW; and refraction microtremor: ReMi) were evaluated and compared on the basis of the interpretation of processed field data acquired at two test sites in the Poplar Bluff area, southeast Missouri. These four methods for determining the shear wave velocity of soils were subsequently ranked in terms of accuracy, functionality, cost effectiveness, other considerations and overall utility. On the basis of the comparative analyses, it is concluded that MASW data are generally more reliable than SCPT data, comparable to quality ReMi data and only slightly less accurate than CH data. However, MASW's other advantages generally make it a superior choice over the other methods for general soil classification purposes to depths of 100 ft. (as per NEHRP recommendations)"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Anderson, Neil L. (Neil Lennart), 1954-

Committee Member(s)

Rupert, Gerald B., 1930-2016
Rogers, J. David
Stephenson, Richard Wesley
Rechtien, Richard Douglas

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Geology and Geophysics

Sponsor(s)

Missouri. Department of Transportation

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2006

Pagination

xii, 164 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 159-163).

Rights

© 2006 Thanop Thitimakorn, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Citation

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Shear waves -- MeasurementSoil dynamics -- Testing -- MethodologySurface waves -- Measurement

Thesis Number

T 8992

Print OCLC #

166887573

Recommended Citation

Thitimakorn, Thanop, "Comparative analyses of geophysical methods for determining shear wave velocity of soils" (2006). Doctoral Dissertations. 1700.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/doctoral_dissertations/1700