S-wave velocity profiling from refraction microtremor Rayleigh wave dispersion curves via PSO inversion algorithm

The refraction microtremor method has been increasingly used as an appealing tool for investigating near surface S-wave structure. However, inversion, as a main stage in processing refraction microtremor data, is challenging for most local search methods due to its high nonlinearity. With the development of data optimization approaches, fast and easier techniques can be employed for processing geophysical data. Recently, particle swarm optimization algorithm has been used in many fields of studies. Use of particle swarm optimization in geophysical inverse problems is a relatively recent development which offers many advantages in dealing with the nonlinearity inherent in such applications. In this study, the reliability and efficiency of particle swarm optimization algorithm in the inversion of refraction microtremor data were investigated. A new framework was also proposed for the inversion of refraction microtremor Rayleigh wave dispersion curves. First, particle swarm optimization code in MATLAB was developed; then, in order to evaluate the efficiency and stability of proposed algorithm, two noise-free and two noise-corrupted synthetic datasets were inverted. Finally, particle swarm optimization inversion algorithm in refraction microtremor data was applied for geotechnical assessment in a case study in the area in city of Tabriz in northwest of Iran. The S-wave structure in the study area successfully delineated. Then, for evaluation, the estimated Vs profile was compared with downhole data available around of the considered area. It could be concluded that particle swarm optimization inversion algorithm is a suitable technique for inverting microtremor waves.