Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW)

What is Multichannel Analysis of Surface?

Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) is a geophysical method used to evaluate subsurface stiffness by measuring the velocity of surface (shear) waves. It’s a non-invasive technique that provides vital data about soil and rock strength.

In Malaysia, MASW is commonly applied in site investigations, slope stability studies, and seismic hazard assessments. It helps engineers determine the stiffness profile of the ground, which is crucial for foundation design and construction safety.

At Geotechnica, we offer reliable MASW surveys using modern equipment and expert data processing delivering accurate subsurface profiles to support safe, informed geotechnical and engineering decisions.

Our Services

Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves

Layer Detection

MASW helps detect subsurface soil and rock layers by analyzing wave velocity changes at different depths.

Collecting Surface Wave Data
Identifying Depth of Each Layer
Mapping Soil & Bedrock Boundaries

Site Classification

MASW supports seismic site classification based on shear wave velocity, helping assess ground behavior during earthquakes.

Seismic Site Class Identification
Reporting for Structural Design Codes
Vs30 Calculation (Shear Wave Velocity to 30m Depth)

Non-Invasive Testing

MASW is a non-destructive method that does not require drilling, making it ideal for sensitive or developed sites.

Sensor Array Setup (Geophones)
Surface Wave Generation With Hammer
Data Collection Without Ground Disturbance

Soil Stiffness Profiling

MASW provides stiffness (shear modulus) profiles of soil layers, crucial for foundation and slope design.

Analyzing Wave Dispersion Curves
Generating 1D & 2D Stiffness Models
Supporting Geotechnical Interpretations

Liquefaction Risk Assessment

By identifying soft or loose saturated soils, MASW helps assess areas vulnerable to liquefaction during strong ground shaking.

Supporting Earthquake-Resilient Design
Comparing Data with Liquefaction Thresholds
Identifying Low Shear Wave Velocity Zones

Surface Wave Speed

MASW measures the speed of Rayleigh waves across different depths, which reflects material type and stiffness.

Calculating Velocity Profiles
Interpreting Ground Condition Changes
Recording Wave Travel Time & Distance

Case Studies

MASW Case Studies

Hazard and Risk Slope Assessment (Penilaian Bahaya dan Risiko Cerun)

Geoforensics Assessment Penilaian Geoforensik (Malaysia)

Soil Environmental Sustainability by Geotechnica

Tools & Software

MASW Tech & Tools

Industries

Industries We Work

Oil & Gas

Maps pipeline corridors and monitors terrain for safe infrastructure planning.

Mine & Quarry

Generates 3D terrain models for volume calculations, pit monitoring, and site planning.

Civil Infrastructure

Supports road, rail, and bridge design with precise elevation and surface data.

Utilities Powerlines

Inspects powerline corridors & detects vegetation encroachment for safety.

Forest & Plantation

Measures canopy height, tree density, and biomass for resource management.

Environmental & Coastal

Monitors coastal erosion, flood zones, and conducts environmental impact studies.

Why Us

Why Choose Geotechnica

High End Equipment

We are euipped with latest and high-end LiDAR equipment and software to get 100% accuracy of data & statistics

National Level Project

Since 2020, we had handled 20+ state and national-level projects through LiDAR in geotechnical and geo engineering

Certified Engineers & Surveyors

Our engineers & surveyors are international and local graduate with numbers of experience in geo engineering

Custom Report & GIS Integration

You will received 100% accurate reporting documents and able to get GIS integration needed from our team

FAQ

Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves FAQ

What is Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW)?

MASW is a non-invasive method to measure how fast waves move through the ground, helping engineers understand the stiffness of soil layers.

Why is MASW used in site investigation?

It helps identify soil conditions without drilling, making it ideal for foundation design, slope studies, and ground risk assessment.

What does MASW measure?

MASW measures the speed of surface (Rayleigh) waves to calculate shear wave velocity and soil stiffness profiles.

Is MASW safe for developed or sensitive sites?

Yes. MASW is a non-destructive method that doesn’t damage the ground, so it’s safe for buildings, roads, and protected areas.

How deep can MASW detect soil layers?

Typically, MASW can profile soil conditions up to 30 meters deep, depending on the setup and site condition.

What is shear wave velocity and why is it important?

Shear wave velocity shows how stiff the ground is. It’s important for building safety, especially during earthquakes or heavy loading.

Can MASW be used for liquefaction risk assessment?

Yes. MASW helps identify soft, loose soils that are more likely to liquefy during seismic activity or strong vibrations.

What is Vs30 and how is it related to MASW?

Vs30 is the average shear wave velocity in the top 30 meters of soil. MASW is the most common method to measure Vs30 for seismic site classification.

How is MASW different from drilling or SPT testing?

MASW doesn’t require boreholes or soil disturbance. It’s faster and covers more area, though it provides different types of data than SPT.

Why choose Geotechnica for MASW in Malaysia?

Geotechnica uses advanced MASW equipment and experienced geophysicists to deliver accurate, site-specific data for safe and efficient ground analysis.

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