In the last few years the Active Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves
(MASW) and Refraction Microtremor (ReMi) methods were developed to
determine average shear wave velocity of the upper surface layers (Vs30) which
is used for site classificati
on and seismic microzonation studies of urban areas
to reduce earthquake risks.
This research showed the usefulness and importance of the use of ReMi
method to study the deep soil layers which may reach a depth of more than 30
m in the city of Irbid (Jordan), located 25 km east of the Dead Sea Transform
(DST) fault system.
Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) is increasingly applied in
earthquake engineering and geotechnical problems, because of simple field
procedures, time and cost saving. It can allow for maximum areal coverage,
thus reduces the number o
f needed boreholes.
This study illustrates the importance of the use of active and passive MASW
to measure the average shear wave velocities of the upper surface layers (upper
30m) of the city of Irbid in North Jordan by integrating the outputs of the
active and passive approaches, and by investigating the relationship between
the estimated average shear wave velocity with the following geotechnical
variables, Bearing capacity, depth of embedment, and soil thickness.