Development of Shear Wave Velocity Profiles Using Active MASW on Kattangal Region Soil Deposits in Calicut of Kerala

Abstract

Shear wave velocity is considered an essential requirement in the dynamic characterization of a site of specific interest. The determination of shear wave velocity will be a necessary part of the earthquake-resistant structure’s design. Hence, this study uses non-destructive research to establish a relationship between shear wave velocity and soil profile depth. It focused on developing shear wave velocity profiles and characterizing the soil profiles located in the Kattangal region of Calicut city. The site classification is performed according to the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program’s guidelines (NEHRP). The shear wave response was measured using multi-channel analysis of surface wave (MASW), a non-destructive testing tool. Twenty-four channelled low-frequency geophones with a seismograph facility were used to create the shear wave velocity-depth profiles for the specified site of interest. It also focused on the evolution of shear wave velocity profiles for spatially distributed locations within the area under investigation and their relationship with the groundwater table. The depth of groundwater table taken for the analysis was in the range of 0–8 m. Test results show that the shear wave velocity (Vs30) depends on the soil type and the state of wet/dry conditions. It has identified the average shear wave velocity values with different groundwater levels, the minimum when the water table at the ground surface and the maximum in the dry state. The present study results are suitable for their dynamic soil characterization for a region of soil profiles having annual variations in the water levels. KeywordsShear wave velocity profilesAverage shear wave velocity (Vs30)Active MASWNEHRP site classifications