Depth of Vertical Cracks
The Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) method is applied to structural elements to estimate surface-opening crack depths, fire damage and freeze-thaw damage depths, and to measure relative concrete quality. It can also be used for thickness profiling of pavements, including asphalt and layer systems. The method uses the dispersive characteristics of surface waves to determine the variation of the shear wave velocity (stiffness) of layered systems with depth. Surface opening cracks, honeycomb zones, fire damage, and other flaws create an effective "layer" of low velocity material with depth which can be measured. Once the shear wave velocity profiles are determined, shear and Young’s moduli of the materials can also be estimated through the use of simple mathematical equations. The shear wave velocity profiles (shear wave velocity versus depth) are determined from the experimental dispersion curves (surface wave velocity versus wavelength) obtained from SASW measurements through a process called forward modeling or inversion process. The shear wave velocity measurements can be used to compare concrete areas to locate zones of weak or degraded concrete. The SASW method can be performed on any material provided there is an accessible surface for receiver attachments and source impacting.
NOTE: SASW measurements are accurate to within 5% for the determination of the thickness and stiffness of the top layer in a pavement system.
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




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

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