Historical Overview of the Surface Wave Method

Historical development of the surface wave method for engineering applications is summarized with a focus on the last two decades of routine use. Starting from the pioneering attempt with one receiver made in mid-twentieth century that soon evolved into the continuous surface wave (CSW) method, subsequent introduction of the two-receiver approach of the spectral analysis of surface waves (SASW) method, and then twelve-or-more-channel approach of the multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) method are described in an approximate chronological order as to their basic principles, effectiveness, and limitations. Current status of the surface wave method in general is also briefly stated with suggestions of future research directions.