Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves

The Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) method is used on structural elements to estimate crack and damage depths and to measure relative concrete quality.

  • One-sided testing
  • Applicable for defects perpendicular to the tested surface (cracks, joints, repair edges)
  • Applicable on any material

SASW can be used to:

  • Determine crack tip, fire damage and freeze-thaw damage depths
  • Provide thickness profiling of pavements including asphalt and layered systems
  • Compare concrete areas to locate zones of weak or degraded concrete

NOTE: SASW measurements are accurate to within 5% for the determination of the thickness and stiffness of the top layer in a pavement system.

 

Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves SASW, Olson Engineering

Applicable On:

Concrete

Asphalt

Soil

Rock

Masonry

Wood

Determine:

Pavement system profiles including the surface layer, base and subgrade materials

Surface opening crack depths

Freeze-thaw damage depth measurement

Fire damage depth measurement

Abutment depths of bridges

Condition assessments of concrete liners in tunnels, and other structural concrete conditions

Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves SASW, Olson Engineering
Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves SASW, Olson Engineering
Impact Echo IE, Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves SASW, Olson Engineering

The SASW System

Diagnose Cracking

This test evaluates alkali-silica, fire, freeze-thaw cracking damage and crack depth

Rapid Data

Receivers mounted on the SASW bar allow for fast and accurate field measurements with results displayed as real-time waveform

Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves SASW, Olson Engineering
Accurate Testing

SASW measurements are accurate to within 5% for the determination of the thickness and stiffness of the top layer in a pavement system

Convenient

The SASW system is compact, durable, and easily transported allowing for multiple tests per day

Variety of Materials

Applicable on concrete, asphalt, soil, rock, masonry, and wood