Evaluating the Efficacy of Combined Active and Passive MASW Techniques for Enhanced Soil Characterization
Phurba Dorjee Philley1*, Jumrik Taipodia1, Tassar Pana1This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into soil characterization using active, passive, and combined Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) techniques across multiple locations. The study acknowledges the inherent limitations of using active and passive MASW methods independently, particularly their restricted depth of investigation when used alone. The research introduces a combined MASW approach to overcome these limitations, enabling a more extensive subsurface profiling by leveraging a broader range of analyzable frequencies. The methodologyinvolved conducting both active and passive MASW surveys at five critical sites in Itanagar, India. The active MASW survey utilized a controlled source to generate high-frequency waves, providing detailed information for shallow depths (1-25 meters). In contrast, the passive MASW survey employed natural and cultural sources, producing low-frequency waves capable of penetrating deeper into the subsurface (up to 40 m). By combining the data from both approaches, the study achieved a more accurate and continuous shear wave velocity profile, covering a depth range from 1 to 60 m. Key findings of the research include the successful integration of higher modes in the combined MASW survey, leading to improved accuracy in the inverted shear wave velocity profiles. The study also compared the effectiveness of combining raw data versus combining dispersion images from active and passive surveys. Results indicated that the combined approach provided superior resolution and clarity, particularly in identifying the modal nature of dispersion trends and ensuring accurate subsurface characterization across varying depths. This research demonstrates that the combined MASW method is a powerful tool for geotechnical investigations, offering enhanced depth of investigation and improved accuracy in subsurface profiling, which is critical for various engineering and environmental application.