Evaluation of the change in Geotechnical properties due to the Construction of Civil engineering Structure using HWAW Method

HWAW방법을 이용한 토목구조물 건설에 따른 하부 지반 물성 변화 평가

In the various fields of Civil Engineering, shear modulus is very important input parameters to design many constructions and to analyze ground behaviors. In general, a shear wave velocity profile is decided by various experiments before constructing a structure and, analysis and design are carried out by using decided shear wave velocity profile of the site. However, if civil structures are started to construct, the shear wave velocity will be increased more than before constructions because of confining pressure increase by the load of structure. The evaluation of the change in shear wave velocity profile is used very importantly when maintaining, managing, reinforcing and regenerating existing structures. In this study, a non-destructively geotechnical investigation method by using the HWAW method is applied to an evaluation of change in properties of the site according to construction. Generally, the space for experiments is narrow when underground of existing or on-going structures is evaluate, so a prompt non-destructive experiment is required. This prompt non-destructive experiment would be performed by various in-situ seismic methods. However, most of in-situ seismic methods need more space for experiments, so it is difficult to be applied. The HWAW method using the Harmonic wavelet transforms, which is based on time-frequency analysis, determines shear wave velocity profile. It consists of a source as well as short receiver spacing that is 1~3m, and is able to determine a shear wave velocity profile from surface to deep depth by one test on a space. As the HWAW method uses only the signal portion of the maximum local signal/noise ratio to determine a profile, it provides reliability shear modulus profile such as under construction or noisy situation by minimizing effects of noise from diverse vibration on a construction site or urban area. To estimate the applicability of the proposed method, field tests were performed in the change of geotechnical properties according to constructing a minimized modeling bent. Through this study, the change of geotechnical properties of the site was effectively evaluated according to construction of a structure.