Evaluation of kinetic moduli and soil competence parameters for sustainable urban development using multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) technique

Near-surface dynamic properties and soil competency have been assessed in the western Riyadh urban expansion area from multichannel analysis of surface waves. This area is experiencing rapid urban development and substantial growth in infrastructure. This area faces several geotechnical issues, such as cavities, which pose substantial risks to construction, foundation instability, and ground subsidence. Thirty of 2D profiles were conducted to generate S-wave velocity models up to 30 m depth. The results revealed four distinct subsurface layers with variations in porosity, void ratio, and dynamic moduli such as Young, bulk, rigidity, and Poisson’s ratio that varies between 0.039–0.43, 0.04–0.74, 1.24–8.54 × 109 dyn/cm2, 1.01–9.95 × 109 dyn/cm2, 1.03–9.98 × 109 dyn/cm2 and 0.39 × 10–6–0.40 × 10−7, respectively, while the mean values of ultimate bearing capacity, density gradient, concentration index, material index, and stress ratio ranges from 0.72 to 466.24 kg/cm2, from 1.56 to 2.72 g/cm3, from 3.49 × 10−7 to 3.50 × 10−7, from − 0.60 × 10−7 to − 0.59 × 10−6, and from 0.666656 to 0.666675 respectively across the area. These results indicate the top 10 m comprised loose to moderately dense soil, while deeper layers (12–30 m) involved limestone rocks. Geotechnical analyses suggested that the bottom limestone rock is the most competent rock with high stiffness compared with the overlying soil and supports the sustainable urban development of the area.