ISSN: 1945-7545
CODEN: GTJODJ
Published Online: 24 January 2013
Page Count: 9

Numerical Methodology to Minimize Resolution and Sensitivity Effects in P-Wave Measurements

Amaral, M. F.
Univ. of Porto (FEUP), Dept. of Civil Engineering,

Viana da Fonseca, A.
Univ. of Porto (FEUP), Dept. of Civil Engineering,

Rios, S.
Univ. of Porto (FEUP), Dept. of Civil Engineering,

(Received 23 October 2012; accepted 3 December 2012)

Abstract

This paper presents a new numerical methodology aiming at facilitating the identification of seismic wave’s propagation time, using a time domain approach. The solution uses first- and second-order differential computing, namely divided differences methods. Results of extensive laboratory seismic wave tests over aggregate–cement mixtures with different voids ratios (densities) and cement contents (1 %, 2 %, 3 %, 4 %, and 5 %) are discussed. The results indicated relevant differences in values of longitudinal modulus (or P-wave modulus) derived with and without this methodology. This was considered especially important in stiff specimens with high-seismic wave velocities and low-energy input signals.

Keywords:
seismic wave tests, aggregate–cement mixtures, voids–cement ratio, signal numeric analysis, signal energy analysis

Paper ID: GTJ20120111
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20120111
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.