Application of MASW in road failure investigation

Abstract

Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) survey was conducted to measure shear wave velocities in order to ascertain the likely causes of road failure along LASU-IBA expressway in Alimosho local government area, Lagos, Nigeria. MASW data were acquired along the express road. The acquired dataset was processed and transformed into two-dimensional structure reflective of depth and surface wave velocity distribution within a depth of investigation using SurfSeis software. The MASW shear wave velocity data were compared to geophysical data that was acquired along the same profile. The comparison was also done with geotechnical data that had been acquired prior to the study some meters away from the study area. The correlation between N values to measured shear wave velocity using MASW was generated. The comparison illustrates the accuracy and consistency of MASW-derived shear wave velocity profiles. We concluded that (1) the low-velocity region that varies between 100 and 250 m/s at surface down to 4 m beneath the surface is characterized by loose/peat materials and may have been responsible for the road failure within the study area; this region depicts a very loose compaction area. (2) The MASW technique is a time–cost-effective tool for obtaining reliable shear wave velocity profiles, and (3) the MASW is particularly attractive in areas that cannot be readily assessed by other geophysical and geotechnical tools.