Inversion of Seismic Surface Wave Data to Resolve Complex Profiles
Publication: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 133, Issue 2
Abstract
For a complex layered site, development of a shear wave velocity profile from inversion of seismic surface wave data can yield nonunique results. One class of solutions provides depth-averaged profiles that are useful but do not detail the local velocity anomalies. Simulated annealing inversion can be used to establish whether nonuniqueness is a concern for a particular case and, if so, focus results to allow a solution that is expected based on independent knowledge of site conditions. A two-step process is recommended whereby the model parameters are first optimized using simulated annealing and then fine tuned by unconstrained linearized inversion. The process also yields useful confidence measures. One example of a complex layered site where the proposed procedure is helpful is a desert profile with high-velocity cemented layers interspersed among uncemented sediments.
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Acknowledgments
The writers acknowledge the contributions of many UNLV students, particularly Melissa Huynh, Xiaohui Jin, Gari Lindsey, Haiyan Liu, Zlatina Zheleva, Bjorn Sundquist, and Richard Stone. Funding was provided by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. NSFCMS-9734000. Financial and logistical support was also provided by the Las Vegas Valley Water District. The first writer B. L. acknowledges sabbatical assistance provided by University of Nevada, Las Vegas during academic year 2003–2004.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
Volume 133 • Issue 2 • February 2007
Pages: 155 - 165
Copyright
© 2007 ASCE.
History
Received: Jan 7, 2004
Accepted: Aug 14, 2006
Published online: Feb 1, 2007
Published in print: Feb 2007
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