Engineering summary
From seismic records to report-ready results. Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) plays an important role in modern geotechnical investigations. Engineers use this method to evaluate near-surface ground conditions and estimate shear-wave velocity profiles. However, turning field measurements into clear engineering results...
From seismic records to report-ready results.
Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) plays an important role in modern geotechnical investigations. Engineers use this method to evaluate near-surface ground conditions and estimate shear-wave velocity profiles. However, turning field measurements into clear engineering results requires more than data collection. It also requires reliable processing, careful interpretation, and effective reporting.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio brings these essential steps into one professional application. This standalone Windows software helps geophysicists and geotechnical engineers inspect seismic records, analyze dispersion characteristics, develop layered subsurface models, and prepare technical reports.
Furthermore, the software emphasizes transparent processing decisions and reproducible workflows. As a result, users can review their analysis, revisit previous projects, and communicate their interpretations with greater clarity.
What Is MASW Analysis?
MASW is a seismic method used to investigate the mechanical properties of shallow subsurface materials. It examines how surface waves travel through the ground at different frequencies.
Because wave velocity changes with material stiffness and depth, surface-wave measurements provide valuable information about subsurface conditions. Engineers can use these observations to develop shear-wave velocity models for site characterization.
A typical MASW workflow includes several important stages. First, field teams collect multichannel seismic records. Next, analysts inspect the data and calculate dispersion spectra. They then identify dispersion curves and compare them with theoretical responses from layered-earth models.
Finally, engineers interpret the resulting velocity structure and prepare technical documentation.
Although the method is widely used, interpretation requires professional judgment. Different subsurface models may produce similar dispersion responses. Therefore, analysts must consider data quality, geological context, and model uncertainty.
Introducing QuakeLogic MASW Studio
QuakeLogic MASW Studio is professional MASW analysis software designed to support the complete processing workflow.
Instead of managing separate applications for data inspection, dispersion analysis, modeling, and reporting, users can complete these tasks within one connected workspace.
The software supports engineering teams that need a clear and organized approach to surface-wave interpretation. In addition, its interactive tools help users understand how processing choices influence the final results.
Key capabilities include:
- Importing SEG-2 and CSV seismic records.
- Inspecting multichannel seismograms and acquisition geometry.
- Previewing signal processing operations.
- Calculating frequency–velocity and frequency–wavenumber spectra.
- Picking and editing dispersion curves.
- Developing layered shear-wave velocity models.
- Exploring bounded inversion results and model misfit.
- Calculating Vs30 when sufficient interpretation depth is available.
- Exporting scientific figures, tables, and PDF reports.
Together, these features help streamline seismic interpretation while maintaining visibility throughout the analysis process.
Watch QuakeLogic MASW Studio in action and explore how the software supports seismic data processing, dispersion analysis, and subsurface modeling.
Inspect Seismic Field Data
Reliable surface-wave interpretation begins with careful data inspection. Before calculating dispersion spectra, engineers must understand the quality and structure of their seismic records.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio supports SEG-2 and CSV data import. Users can inspect multichannel seismograms and configure acquisition geometry within the application.
This initial review helps analysts identify recording issues, examine signal characteristics, and verify the information required for subsequent processing.
Moreover, clear geometry configuration supports meaningful interpretation of the recorded wavefield. As a result, users can establish a stronger foundation for the remaining analysis stages.
Apply Transparent Signal Processing
Seismic field records often contain noise, unwanted trends, or signal components that complicate interpretation. Therefore, preprocessing is an important part of the MASW workflow.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio provides tools for detrending, filtering, and muting seismic records.
Importantly, users can preview these operations while keeping the original signals recoverable. This approach allows engineers to evaluate processing decisions without permanently losing the source data.
For example, an analyst may apply filtering to examine a particular frequency range. After reviewing the result, the analyst can adjust the processing approach or return to the original record.
Consequently, the workflow supports both flexibility and traceability.
Analyze Surface-Wave Dispersion
Dispersion analysis is one of the central stages of MASW interpretation. It helps engineers identify how surface-wave phase velocity varies with frequency.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio calculates frequency–velocity and frequency–wavenumber spectra. These representations provide complementary ways to examine wave propagation in multichannel seismic data.
The software also includes acquisition and spatial-aliasing guidance. This information helps analysts recognize limitations related to recording geometry and spatial sampling.
Furthermore, interactive spectrum displays support the identification of meaningful dispersion trends.
Because the quality of dispersion interpretation directly affects subsurface modeling, careful examination remains essential.
Interpret Dispersion Curves
After generating a dispersion spectrum, analysts must identify the curves that represent the observed surface-wave behavior.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio allows users to pick, label, and edit dispersion curves directly on the spectrum.
This interactive approach helps engineers refine their interpretation while maintaining a clear connection between the selected data and the underlying spectral information.
In addition, users can review curve selections before moving into subsurface modeling.
However, dispersion peaks do not always represent a single wave mode. Higher modes, noise, and complex ground conditions can influence the spectrum. Therefore, engineers should evaluate each interpretation in the context of the available evidence.
Build Shear-Wave Velocity Models
A major objective of MASW analysis is to estimate how shear-wave velocity changes with depth.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio supports layered-earth modeling. Users can define subsurface layers and calculate theoretical Rayleigh-wave and Love-wave dispersion responses.
They can then compare predicted dispersion curves with observed measurements.
This comparison helps analysts examine whether a proposed velocity structure provides a reasonable explanation of the seismic observations.
Additionally, layered modeling allows users to explore different subsurface scenarios. Such comparisons are valuable when field data support more than one plausible interpretation.
The resulting shear-wave velocity profile can contribute to geotechnical site characterization and engineering assessments.
Explore Bounded Inversion Results
Inversion is an important step in converting dispersion observations into subsurface velocity models.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio provides bounded inversion capabilities that allow users to explore candidate models within visible parameter limits.
Engineers can examine model predictions and misfit values while reviewing the relationship between observed and calculated dispersion curves.
This process helps make modeling assumptions easier to inspect.
Nevertheless, inversion does not guarantee a unique geological solution. Multiple velocity structures may explain similar observations, especially when measurement coverage is limited.
Therefore, engineers should evaluate inversion results alongside geological information, acquisition limitations, and independent measurements whenever available.
Calculate Vs30 for Site Assessment
Vs30 represents the average shear-wave velocity in the upper 30 meters of the ground, calculated using travel-time averaging.
It is commonly used as an engineering parameter in seismic site characterization.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio can calculate Vs30 when the declared interpretation depth supports the calculation.
This condition is important because shallow investigations do not always provide sufficient information to characterize the complete upper 30 meters.
Consequently, engineers must verify the supported depth range before reporting Vs30 values.
When appropriate data are available, the calculated parameter can support broader geotechnical and seismic site assessments.
Review Independent Seismic Checks
Surface-wave analysis provides useful information about subsurface stiffness. However, additional seismic observations can improve the interpretation process.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio includes tools for examining first arrivals and basic refraction results alongside surface-wave measurements.
These independent checks allow engineers to review complementary information within the same project.
For instance, first-arrival observations may help identify features that deserve further investigation.
However, refraction and surface-wave methods measure different aspects of seismic wave propagation. Their results should therefore be compared carefully rather than treated as interchangeable.
Export Professional Technical Reports
Engineering analysis must produce results that colleagues, clients, and project stakeholders can understand.
QuakeLogic MASW Studio supports the export of scientific figures, numerical tables, and QuakeLogic-branded PDF reports.
Users can also save complete projects for later review.
This project-based approach is particularly useful when an interpretation requires additional evaluation or when engineers need to revisit earlier processing decisions.
Furthermore, organized deliverables make it easier to communicate dispersion observations, velocity models, and relevant engineering parameters.
As a result, teams can move from seismic measurements to report-ready documentation within one application.
Who Can Use MASW Studio?
QuakeLogic MASW Studio supports several professional and academic applications.
Engineering geophysicists can use the software to inspect seismic measurements and develop near-surface velocity interpretations.
Geotechnical engineering firms can incorporate surface-wave analysis into site investigation workflows.
Seismic survey teams can process multichannel records and prepare technical deliverables.
Engineering consultants can evaluate ground conditions and review shear-wave velocity models as part of broader assessments.
Researchers and educators can use the application to study dispersion behavior, modeling assumptions, and surface-wave interpretation methods.
Because the workflow combines processing, interpretation, and reporting, the software can serve both routine investigations and research-oriented analysis.
Simple Windows-Based Deployment
QuakeLogic MASW Studio is designed as a standalone Windows application.
The software installs through a Windows installer and can be launched from the Start Menu or Desktop.
In addition, normal local analysis works offline. Users do not need to install Python, Node.js, or separate HVSR software to operate the application.
The current release is version 1.0.0, validated on Windows 11 x64.
This deployment approach reduces dependence on external software environments and provides a dedicated workspace for MASW analysis.
Why Choose QuakeLogic?
QuakeLogic develops engineering technologies that connect measurement, analysis, and practical decision-making.
MASW Studio reflects this approach by bringing seismic data inspection, signal processing, dispersion interpretation, subsurface modeling, and technical reporting into one application.
Rather than treating each stage as an isolated task, the software supports a connected and reviewable workflow. Its emphasis on visible processing decisions, recoverable source data, and reproducible analysis helps engineers maintain control over their interpretations.
From field measurements to final deliverables, QuakeLogic focuses on providing tools that support precision, reliability, and professional engineering practice.
From seismic records to report-ready results.
Explore QuakeLogic MASW Studio to learn more about its capabilities and how it can support your seismic analysis projects.
Contact QuakeLogic today to discuss your surface-wave analysis requirements and discover how MASW Studio can fit into your engineering workflow.
Email us at sales@quakelogic.net | Visit us at products.QuakeLogic.net
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Topic cluster
Related engineering knowledge areas
Key takeaways
What this article covers
- From seismic records to report-ready results.
- Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) plays an important role in modern geotechnical investigations.
- Engineers use this method to evaluate near-surface ground conditions and estimate shear-wave velocity profiles.
Definitions and references
Terms, standards, and source cues
- infrasound sensors: related to Infrasound Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- low-frequency noise: related to Infrasound Monitoring in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- earthquake research: related to Earthquake Research in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
- university labs: related to Earthquake Research in this QuakeLogic knowledge cluster.
Standards mentioned
- ISO documentation only when supported by source material
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