Model-Based Uncertainty In Surface Wave Inversion

Most surface wave inversion algorithms used for geotechnical site characterization are based on a subsurface model consisting of a stack of homogeneous layers with constant shear wave velocity. In reality, the shear wave velocities and other parameters are likely to vary continuously with depth. The difference between the actual site conditions and assumed model is a source of uncertainty in surface wave testing. In this study, a surface wave inversion algorithm based on a subsurface model in which the material properties vary continuously with depth is developed and illustrated for two sites.