Bender elements and system identification for estimation of Vs

Abstract

Accurate estimation of shear wave velocity is necessary in most geotechnical earthquake engineering applications. This paper details two different methodologies implemented for the estimation of the shear wave velocity profile of soil deposits. The first implemented method employs bender elements, whereas the second relies on a system identification technique and the use of acceleration recordings. In order to compare the two techniques, two centrifuge experiments were conducted using saturated Ottawa F#55 sand in a one-dimensional laminar container. The sand was deposited at void ratios 0·723 and 0·625, respectively. Shear wave velocity profiles obtained using both techniques were compared. These profiles were also compared to those documented in the literature. The results agree well with each other and with the values from the literature. The matching results support the validity of using both methods as a means of estimating the shear wave velocities in centrifuge models as well as in full-scale testing.