Surface Waves (SASW)

The Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) method is used on structural elements to estimate crack and damage depths and to measure relative concrete quality.

One-sided testing
Applicable for defects perpendicular to the tested surface (cracks, joints, repair edges)
Applicable on any material

SASW can be used to:

Determine crack tip, fire damage and freeze-thaw damage depths
Provide thickness profiling of pavements including asphalt and layered systems
Compare concrete areas to locate zones of weak or degraded concrete

NOTE: SASW measurements are accurate to within 5% for the determination of the thickness and stiffness of the top layer in a pavement system.

Applicable on:

Concrete
Asphalt
Soil
Rock
Masonry
Wood

Determine:

Pavement system profiles including the surface layer, base and subgrade materials
Surface opening crack depths
Freeze-thaw damage depth measurement

Fire damage depth measurement
Abutment depths of bridges
Condition assessments of concrete liners in tunnels, and other structural concrete conditions

The SASW System

Spectral Analysis of Surface Waves (SASW) investigations are typically applied to assess material stiffness and condition, and layer thickness. This test method can also be used to determine depth of surface cracks.

Diagnose Cracking
- This test evaluates alkali-silica, fire, freeze-thaw cracking damage and crack depth
Rapid Data
- Receivers mounted on the SASW bar allow for fast and accurate field measurements with results displayed as real-time waveform
Variety of Materials
- Applicable on concrete, asphalt, soil, rock, masonry, and wood

Accurate Testing
- SASW measurements are accurate to within 5% for the determination of the thickness and stiffness of the top layer in a pavement system
Convenient
- The SASW system is compact, durable, and easily transported allowing for multiple tests per day

Buy the Olson SASW System