CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

In Malaysia, the road was the main route. Highway system must always be controlled and
upgraded from time to time. Measurement systems and existing technologies used should be
updated and renewed followed by the development of the education system to upgrade the
country's research and development systems. The level of traffic systems can be improved and
thus boost the economy.
Construction of the road system in the country based on the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Based on the standards set out in this
system, the thickness of the base, sub-base and pavement will be determined by the type of soil,
the estimated lifespan of the road and the load switch that would be incurred.
For further details on road profile, there are two techniques to require the road profiling
which are Spectral Analysis Surface Wave (SASW) and Continuous Surface Wave (CSW).
Therefore, the Spectral Analysis of Surface Wave (SASW) is a relatively new in-situ seismic
method for determining shear wave velocity profiles. Besides, the second technique is the

Continuous Surface Wave (CSW) which is the technique that developed for engineering
purposes, and it is rapid and relatively inexpensive site investigation tool.
Testing is performed on the ground surface, allowing for less costly measurements than
with borehole methods.

1.2 Problem Statement

Nowadays, the amount of demand transportation in Malaysia has increased. The volume of
traffic that are increased has caused traffic congestion thereby causing deterioration of the
pavement surface. In addition, the weight of individual vehicles or more, especially heavy-back
of higher are undoubtedly contributed to the serious damaged to the road. Load that are increased
and the number of repeated loading on the road surface can invited up permanent damaged such
as cracks in the layer structure.
Most of the damaged to the road system is due to excessive load such as liability burden of
commercial transport vehicles. Besides, it is usually caused due to bending loads that interact
with the surface of the pavement. Pavement roughness rises will directly transfer the dynamic
load of the tire to the pavement. The bending indirect damages resulting thereby causing a
reduction in pavement life expectancy.

1.3 Objectives of Study

The objectives for this research are:
i. To determines the surface wave velocity of road
ii. To obtain road profiling based on seismic surface wave velocity

1.4 Scope of Study

This study is a seismic study that indicates on how well the Spectral Analysis Surface Wave
(SASW) and Continuous Surface Wave (CSW) can be used to obtain the surface wave velocity.
The spectral analysis of surface wave is non-destructive test method based on the dispersion of

Rayleigh waves to determine the shear wave velocity, modulus and depth of each layer of the
pavement profile. Hence, we are focused to the road profiling characteristic.
This research will be conducted at Research centre of Soft Soil (RECESS), UTHM which
involved the process for getting the result of the road profiling. Before that, the frequency and
wavelength will be obtained. The shorter wavelength of high frequency penetrates the shallower
zone of the near surface and the longer wavelength of lower frequency penetrates deeper into the
medium. The range of wavelength to be used as a guide for the receiver spacing can be estimated
from the shear wave velocities of the material anticipated at the site. By using the seismic
technique, it is relatively low-cost and can save the money.

1.5 Contribution of Study

Seismic surface wave profile is a simple application which collect real-time continuous high
speed measurement of longitudinal profiles of road surfaces. I hope it becomes crucial practice
for road builder, contractors and even government. They can used this method to gather the other
information such as longitudinal profile, micro and macro textures and roughness to determine
the coefficient of friction. On the other hand, it also can be used for controlling for accidents by
deliberate profiling roads for close monitoring and policing. Producing road profile appropriate
for use in system analysis for life expectancy road.
The results obtained from this study is expected to contribute to overcome the problems that
usually occur on the surface of the road.

1.6 Expected Result

The expected result for this study is to determine the surface wave velocity of road by using two
technique which are Spectral Analysis Surface Wave (SASW) and Continuous Surface Wave
(CSW). Hence, the seismic surface wave velocity is obtained from this study and produce the
road profiling.