Wavefield Modeling

Every surface-wave inversion is only as good as its forward model. The Higher-order Thin Layer Method (HTLM) discretizes the layered earth with quadratic and cubic interpolation elements, turning the wave equation into a compact algebraic eigenvalue problem. All Rayleigh, Love and Lamb modes are obtained together, quickly and reliably.

 ✅Same accuracy with far fewer sublayers than classical TLM

 ✅Every mode in a single eigen-solve, no missed branches

 ✅Handles velocity reversals, stiff layers and plates

 ✅Modal amplitudes for effective- and predominant-mode analysis

Ref: Bhaumik & Naskar (2024), Computers & Geosciences 

Pavements are inversely dispersive: a stiff asphalt layer sits on a softer base and subgrade. In such systems higher modes and leaky waves dominate the recorded wavefield, so a conventional fundamental-mode MASW interpretation can be badly misleading. Extending the semi-analytical active-source wavefield model to pavement profiles shows exactly what a MASW survey will record on a road.

 ✅Full synthetic seismograms and dispersion images for layered pavements

 ✅Shows which mode dominates at each frequency and offset

 ✅Guides survey design: offsets, receiver spacing and frequency band

 ✅Avoids mistaking higher modes for the fundamental mode

Ref: Bhaumik & Naskar (2024), Transportation Geotechnics