Introduction to ACSW

Advanced Continuous Surface Wave (ACSW) testing is a fast, non-intrusive means of obtaining an in-situ ground stiffness profile in a construction environment.

 

The velocity of surface waves is a function of the ground stiffness, and the wavelength of the surface wave determines its depth of penetration. By measuring surface wave velocities over a range of frequencies (and consequently a range of wavelengths), a stiffness profile of the ground can be obtained.

 

The depth to which data can be obtained using ACSW is dependent on the shaker source and ground conditions, but 30 to 45-feet depths are typical - and in stiffer materials depths of up to 60-feet can be achieved, using readily portable seismic sources.