which determines the partial derivatives of the field velocity data with respect to the S-wave data of

the model. Critically, the data processing strategy employed must yield an estimate of uncertainty,
or error, in the derived S-wave values.

2.9.2 Limitations

The MASW surface wave method assumes that significant lateral variation does not occur over
distances smaller than the geophone spread length. Results are presented as a 1-D shear wave
velocity profile located in the centre of the receiver array or geophone spread. Penetration depth is
directly dependent on source frequency characteristics and (predominantly) the S-wave velocity of
the medium. For example, assuming an S-wave velocity of a medium of 500 m/s, then a 10 Hz
component of a Rayleigh wave packet will penetrate to about 17-25 m bgl, whilst an 80 Hz
component will penetrate to about 2-3 m bgl. Ambient noise, particularly with components within
the source spectrum may affect data acquisition and therefore acquisition may need to be carried
out during quiet periods or at night.

2.9.3 Application and Example Data

Example 1 - UAE

The two sections below were collected along two lines 20m apart in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Both 2D
profiles would show the low velocity soft clay layer within the upper layers. The underlying
mudstone layer (red-white colour) is shown to be at approximate depth of 5-6m below surface on
the top profile but on the second profile the depth to this interface appears to increase to
approximately 10m. The shear wave velocity between 5-10m depth seems to be lower on the
second profile indicative of a weaker and more weathered mudstone layer.

Example two – Saudi Arabia

The MASW results obtained from a site in Saudi Arabia where the results were analysed as 2D Vs
sections and the modelled inversions curve per shot / line were then collated into one file to
generate grid files for Vs at various depth slices.

The 2D sections highlighted the subsurface areas with low Vs and the depth slices below highlight
the lateral extent of the low velocity zones within each depth slice. Three depth slices are
presented at 10m, 15m and 20m. At 20m depth the plot is dominated by higher velocity indicative
of a more competent limestone layer at this depth.

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 10m depth slice

15m depth slice

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