Specialist ACSW testing & Analysis
The velocity of surface waves generated is directly related to ground stiffness. The speed of shorter wavelengths is influenced by the stiffness of shallower layers and the longer wavelengths by the stiffness of deeper layers, so measuring the velocity over a range of frequencies means a stiffness depth profile can be produced. GSS Advanced Continuous Surface Wave (ACSW) system is controlled and evaluated by GSS’s bespoke C-DAS data acquisition and analysis software which provides easy-to-understand outputs. Importantly, as part of the analysis process a shear wave velocity (Vs) profile is generated which can be used for seismic design or site assessment.
Key benefits of ACSW Testing
Depth
Stiffness & Vs profile to typical 6 to 15m depth or more
Accurate
Measurements at known small-strain stiffness – so stiffness can be adjusted for design strains
Representative
A bulk stiffness/Vs value over a 3m length of soil
Rapid
About 30mins per test, including setup and packing up
Economic
Costs equivalent to Plate Load Test
Low risk
Non-intrusive, so no need for boreholes or lab time
