Frequency Domain Determination of G Using Bender Elements

Methods for determination of shear wave velocity (vs) with bender elements using frequency domain techniques are reviewed. An enhanced method is proposed, which is quicker and provides more information than existing techniques. The method can be implemented using a spectrum analyzer—a common piece of hardware. The validity of the method is demonstrated by means of a series of bench top tests on a reconstituted clay sample. The results are compared both with existing frequency domain practice and with established time-domain techniques. The results reveal that the system comprising benders elements and soil sample is dispersive. The relationship between velocity and frequency is established in detail for several propagation paths through the sample, allowing some insight to be gained into the factors influencing the dispersion characteristics.