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Vertical Seismic Shear Wave Testing
The vertical seismic shear wave test is completed in situ using pre-drilled holes. Horizontally polarised seismic shear waves are generated at the surface near the top of the hole using impacts on a weighted wooden plank.
Seismic compressional waves are generated separately by impacting a metal plate. Individual wave travel times to the detector are used to compute average wave seismic velocities between the surface sources and in-hole detector.
These times are used to compute dynamic elastic moduli to depths of up to 50m and at measured intervals typically between 0.5 and 3m.
Coffey Geotechnics provides equipment and trained field personnel to carry out the vertical shear wave test and offers a full professional consulting service.
Applications:
- dynamic elastic moduli
- dynamic foundation tests
- earthquake response
- liquefaction
- material classification.
