Spectral analysis of surface waves in single and multi-layer slabs with finite thickness using finite element modelling

This paper presents the numerical modelling of spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) method to find the surface wave velocities and to investigate if the numerical modelling of a multi-layer slab system can show the dispersive characteristics. In the modelling of a single-layer slab, the average surface wave velocities obtained from the finite element mode superposition analysis are reasonably close to the experimental value. The refinement of the finite element mesh from element size of 25.4×25.4 mm to 12.7×12.7 mm improves the surface wave velocity results. The numerical modelling of a three-layer slab shows that the dispersive characteristics of surface wave exist in the layer system and can be modelled by the finite element analysis. This study further advances the application of the SASW method to the assessment of existing concrete slab structures.