APPLICATIONS OF MULTICHANNEL ANALYSIS OF SURFACE WAVES (MASW) FOR DETECTION OF T UNNELS PUTNAM, Niklas H., ROGERS, J.

David, and ANDERSON, Neil L., Geological Sciences & Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla, 125 McNutt Hall, Rolla, MO 65409, n iklas.putnam@us.army.mil Multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method is a non-invasive geophysi cal technique that uses the dispersive characteristic of Rayleigh waves to estim ate low strain shear modulus and damping coefficient of near-surface soil. The a cquisition of the MASW data normally uses twenty-four low-frequency (4.5 Hz) ver tical geophones, typically placed at 5 ft intervals centered on each test locati on. Acoustic energy is generated at an offset (distance to nearest geophone) of about 30 ft using an active seismic source such as a 20 lb sledge hammer and met al plate. The generated Rayleigh wave (desired type of surface wave) data are re corded using a 24-channel seismograph. MASW data sets are then transformed into 2-D shear-wave velocity profiles using a dispersion curve technique. MASW uses lower frequencies that are more conducive to placement of uncoupled gr ound sensors. MASW linear arrays can also be towed behind a moving vehicle where weight drops are employed to generate surface waves for surveys. Source-towed g eophone spreads with on-board acquisition, GPS location recordation, basic proce ssing transmission by wireless connection to a command vehicle (m to km away), a ll under the direction of a single non-geotechnical operator is potentially achi evable (Miller, 2006.) Attenuation Analysis of Rayleigh Waves (AARW) is a new technique that shows prom ise for void detection and depth to bedrock. It is based on the observed damping effect of the void on the surface responses. These observations have shown good agreement with the observed numerical results, were verified with other field a nd laboratory data and shows promise as a tool for void detection (Nasseri-Mogha ddam, 2006.) Challenges to the development of MASW software applications include overcoming p rejudicial algorithms that are premised on horizontal layering and the standardi zation of geophone geometry, an inability to distinguish between air and water f illed voids, and the effects of back-scattering reflections that preclude confid ent differentiation between utilities and tunnels in urban environments. Theoret ically, non-standard geophone array spacing as well as passive data acquisition is plausible. However, these developments are predicated upon some understanding of range limits and soil condition effects.