CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction
The aims for this study are to produce a road profiling by using surface wave
methods. To implement the objectives of this research, we should focus on planning
and identifying methods. The way to obtain the data and how the process to get road
profile will be described in this chapter.
In addition, this chapter are described in detail about the design methodology
and it is used to answer the objectives in chapter 1. The processes that involved are
the process of collecting data, analysing the data and conclusions of the study.
Data collection is an important process in a study for solving the problem
because it is supported by the data. This statement is supported by Chua Yan Piaw
(2006), in which the results of the study are determined by the methods and
objectives in a research study. None of the study design that can be used in all
studies. However, some forms of different studies can be done in one study.

3.2 Flow of Work

START

Literature Review

Site Preparation
->>RECESS

Seismic Wave Method

->>SASW
->>CSW

Obtained Result

Expected Results

3.2 Literature Review

There are some methods while doing research by referring reference books, journals
guides, reference from internet and thesis research related to the topic. However,
from this literature review, the ways how to do this test are occurred.

3.3 Site Preparation

The aims of this study are to obtain the road profiling. The test will be conducted at
Research of Soft Soil Centre (RECESS) UTHM. RECESS is established to conduct
research and development (R&D) in engineering of soft soil technologies. Located at
UTHM, Parit Raja Johor it become reference in both national and information level
for soft soil information.

3.4 Seismic Wave Method

Seismic method consist of two types which are Spectral Analysis Surface Wave
(SASW) and Continuous Surface Wave (CSW). This types of methods are suitable to
obtain the data of road profiling.
3.4.1 SASW
SASW tests allow the user to determine the different profiles in pavement layers or
soil layers, including the depth, velocity and also the condition of each of these
layers. It is all done non-destructively from the top surface of the pavement. The test
can be performed on concrete, asphalt, masonry, soil and wood and can be used to
investigate profiles up to 90 meters deep.
3.4.1.1 SASW Works
Surface wave testing uses the dispersive characteristics of surface waves to
determine the variation of the shear wave velocity (stiffness) of layered systems with
depth. The SASW testing is applied from the surface which makes the method non-

destructive and non-intrusive. In SASW tests, two receivers are placed on the
surface, and a hammer is used to generate the wave energy. An Olson
Instruments' Freedom Data PC or NDE 360 records the hammer input and the
receiver output.

Figure 3.4 : Equipment of the SASW

A hammer is blown at a steel plate and the waves produces propagates through the
Earth and the reading is taken. Apart from accelerometer for Rayleigh Waves
detection, this study also requires a computer for data processing and a signal
conditioner for signal detecting.
3.4.2 CSW
Continuous Surface Wave uses a steady-state vibrator as an energy source. Such
sources are relatively costly, but have the advantage of frequency control and good
frequency resolution.
3.4.3 Experimental Setup
3.4.3.1 Setup Arrangement
This image shows the general field arrangement used in SASW testing. Receiver
spacing ranging from 15 cm to more than 90 m have been used in the field to
investigate depths from 5 cm up to greater than 90 m.

3.5 Collection of Data

In SASW tests, two receivers are placed on the surface, and a hammer is used to
generate the wave energy. Short receiver (typically accelerometers) spacing are used
to sample the shallow layers while long receiver (typically velocity transducers)
spacing are used in sampling the deep materials.
Two profiles, a forward profile and a reverse profile, are typically obtained in SASW
measurements where the accessible surface is struck by a hammer on two opposite
sides of the receivers. A signal analyser is used to collect and transform the receiver
outputs to the frequency domain. Two functions in the frequency domain are of great
importance in SASW tests:

The cross power spectrum between the two receivers (used in the preparation
of the experimental dispersion curve)

The coherence function (used to ensure that high signal to-noise ratio data is
being collected).

3.6 Expected Result

After analysing data and from the results gain it can determined either the seismic
surface wave is capable to obtain the road profiling by using SASW and CSW. A
conclusion and recommendations will be made based on the obtained and analysed
data.