Surface wave surveys for imaging ground property changes due to a leaking water pipe

This study demonstrates the use of Multi-channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) to measure changes in Rayleigh wave velocity relating to both the initial trench construction and subsequent simulated failures (water leaks) of a buried water-pipe. The MASW field trials were undertaken in conjunction with a wider suite of geophysical monitoring techniques at a site in South-west England, within an area of clayey sandy SILT. The Rayleigh wave velocity through a soil approximately equals the shear wave velocity, which in turn is predominantly dependant on the shear modulus of the soil (G) and this can be inferred to give a measure of the relative strength of a soil. It is proposed that the time-lapse measurement of Rayleigh wave velocity may be used to monitor ongoing changes in soil strength and therefore the MASW technique could perform a significant role in monitoring the initiation/progression of any internal processes within a geotechnical asset, before they would otherwise be identified through visual inspection alone.