About Myself

I am an assistant professor at Virginia Tech, in the department of civil and environmental engineering. I earned my bachelor of science (BS) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in civil engineering through coursework focused on geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, and geology. Following my undergraduate studies, I earned my MS and PhD from The University of Texas at Austin (UT) under the supervision of Brady R. Cox focusing on non-invasive 1D site characterization methods using surface waves. Following my PhD I worked as a research associate in the data intensive computing group at the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) before joining the faculty at Virginia Tech.

About My Research

My research seeks to advance subsurface imaging toward more robust and uncertainty-aware solutions through the intersection of field experiments, numerical simulation, and high-performance computing with applications in site characterization, natural hazards, and infrastructure engineering.

Current Work

AutoHVSR: a machine-learning-supported algorithm for the fully-automated processing of horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio measurements (Vantassel et al., 2023)

The horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) of ambient noise has seen widespread use as a tool for measuring a site's fundamental resonant frequency (f0). However, the processing of HVSR with traditional methods can be tedious and time consuming, particularly when the HVSR is complex and exhibits multiple resonances. This work proposes the AutoHVSR algorithm that allows for the fully-automated processing of HVSR measurements including those with zero, one, or multiple clear resonances.

Subsurface Imaging Dataset Acquired at the Garner Valley Downhole Array Site using a Dense Network of Three-Component Nodal Stations (Vantassel et al., 2023)

We present a large subsurface imaging dataset acquired using a dense network of three-component (3C) nodal stations acquired in 2019 at the Garner Valley Downhole Array (GVDA) site. Acquisition of this dataset involved the deployment of 196, 3C nodal stations positioned on a 14 by 14 grid with a 5-m spacing. The array was used to acquire active-source data generated by a vibroseis truck and an instrumented sledgehammer, and passive-wavefield data containing ambient noise.

Published Work

Selected Journal Publications

Extracting High-Resolution, Multi-Mode Surface Wave Dispersion Data from Distributed Acoustic Sensing Measurements using the Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (Vantassel et al., 2022)

In this study, we rigorously assess the potential for extracting high-resolution, multi-mode surface wave dispersion data from DAS measurements using active-source multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). This study demonstrates that DAS, when appropriate considerations are made, can be used in-lieu of traditional sensors (i.e., geophones) for making high-resolution, multi-mode measurements of surface wave dispersion data using the MASW technique.

Using Convolutional Neural Networks to Develop Starting Models for 2D Full Waveform Inversion (Vantassel et al., 2021)

Non-invasive subsurface imaging using full waveform inversion (FWI) has the potential to fundamentally change engineering site characterization by enabling the recovery of high resolution 2D/3D maps of subsurface stiffness. Yet, the accuracy of FWI remains quite sensitive to the choice of the initial starting model due to the complexity and non-uniqueness of the inverse problem. In response, we present the novel application of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to transform an experimental seismic wavefield acquired into a robust starting model for 2D FWI.

SWprocess: A Workflow for Developing Robust Estimates of Surface Wave Dispersion Uncertainty (Vantassel and Cox, 2021)

In comparison to invasive methods, non-invasive surface wave methods suffer from highly variable standards of practice, with each company/group/analyst estimating surface wave dispersion data, quantifying its uncertainty (or ignoring it in many cases), and performing inversions to obtain Vs profiles in their own unique manner. In response, this work presents a well-documented, production-tested, and easy-to-adopt workflow for developing estimates of experimental surface wave dispersion data with robust measures of uncertainty.

A Procedure for Developing Uncertainty-Consistent Vs Profiles from Inversion of Surface Wave Dispersion Data (Vantassel and Cox, 2021)

Non-invasive surface wave methods have become a popular alternative to traditional invasive forms of site characterization for inferring a site's shear-wave velocity (Vs). However, the quantification and propagation of uncertainties from surface wave measurements into the Vs profiles used in subsequent engineering analyses remains challenging. In response, this paper presents an easy-to-implement, effective, and verifiable method for developing uncertainty-consistent Vs profiles from inversion of surface wave dispersion data.

SWinvert: A Workflow for Rigorous Surface Wave Inversion (Vantassel and Cox, 2021)

SWinvert is a workflow for the inversion of surface wave dispersion data. SWinvert encourages analysts to investigate inversion uncertainty and non-uniqueness in shear wave velocity (Vs) by providing a systematic procedure and open-source tools for surface wave inversion. In particular, the workflow enables the use of multiple layering parameterizations to address the inversion's non-uniqueness, multiple global searches for each parameterization to address the inverse problem's non-linearity, and quantification of Vs uncertainty in the resulting profiles.

Mapping Depth to Bedrock, Shear Stiffness, and Fundamental Site Period at CentrePort, Wellington ... (Vantassel et al., 2018)

Wellington's port (CentrePort) experienced significant damage from the Mw 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake. To propose mitigation measures to prevent similar damage in future earthquakes, there was a need to quantify the port's depth to bedrock, shear stiffness, and fundamental site period (T0). The characterization effort included horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) spectral ratio (HVSR) measurements and active-source and passive-wavefield surface-wave measurements respectively.

Selected Conference Proceedings

Effectiveness of Distributed Acoustic Sensing for Acquiring Surface Wave Dispersion Data using Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (Vantassel et al., 2022)

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a rapidly expanding tool to sense vibrations and system deformations in many engineering applications. DAS presents the ability to make static and dynamic strain measurements on a scale (e.g., kilometers), density (e.g., meter-scale), and fidelity (e.g., microstrain) that was previously unattainable with traditional sensors. This study demonstrates that DAS can be used in-lieu of traditional sensors for making high-quality measurements of surface wave dispersion using the MASW technique.

Influence of different starting models on near-surface two-dimensional full waveform inversion (Vantassel et al., 2022)

FWI, as with all inverse problems, suffers from non-uniqueness, which results in multiple solutions that may appear quite different to rank as equivalent in terms of the inverse problem's objective function. Or in other words, multiple different potential solutions often fit the experimental data equally well, resulting in uncertainty as to which is most representative of the subsurface. This paper examines uncertainty in the 2D FWI inverse problem by considering how different starting models affect the accuracy of the solution

HVSRweb: An Open-Source, Web-Based Application for Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio Processing (Vantassel et al., 2021)

The horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method has become an increasingly popular tool for developing a quick and reliable estimate of a site's fundamental natural frequency. This paper presents HVSRweb, an open-source, web-based application for performing HVSR calculations in a convenient, reliable, and statistically-consistent manner.

Multi-reference-depth Site Response at the Garner Valley Downhole Array (Vantassel and Cox, 2019)

Measured and predicted site response at the Garner Valley Downhole Array are compared using different reference depths/conditions. Empirical transfer functions (ETFs) from small amplitude ground motions are compared with 1D linear-viscoelastic theoretical transfer functions (TTFs) calculated using shear wave velocity (Vs) profiles obtained from both invasive and non-invasive seismic testing. Suites of non-invasive Vs profiles at the GVDA are shown to produce more accurate TTFs than those from invasive Vs profiles for all reference depths/conditions.

Software

swprocess : A Python Package for Surface Wave Processing (Vantassel, 2021)

hvsrpy : An Open-Source Python Package for HVSR Processing (Vantassel, 2020)

swbatch : A DesignSafe-CI Application for Batch-Style Surface Wave Inversions (Vantassel et al., 2020)

swprepost : A Python Package for Surface Wave Inversion Pre- and Post-Processing (Vantassel, 2020)

sigpropy : A Python Package for Digital Signal Processing (Vantassel, 2020)

Published Data

  • Vantassel, J. P., Cox, B. R., Crocker, J. (2023) Active-Source and Passive-Wavefield 3-Component Nodal Station Measurements at the Garner Valley Downhole Array. DesignSafe-CI [publisher]. https://doi.org/10.17603/ds2-ngdh-af80.
  • Vantassel, J. P., Cox, B. R., Hubbard, P. G., Yust, M., & Menq, F. (2022) Active-Source, Near-Surface, Surface-Wave Measurements using Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and Traditional Geophones [Dataset], in Characterization of the NHERI@UTexas Hornsby Bend Test Site. DesignSafe-CI [publisher]. https://doi.org/10.17603/ds2-bz52-ep82.
  • Vantassel, J. P. & Cox, B. R. (2020) Surface Wave Inversion Benchmarks [Dataset], in Surface Wave Inversion Benchmarks. DesignSafe-CI [publisher]. https://doi.org/10.17603/ds2-cpmr-v194.
  • Cox, B.R, Spikes, K., Wood, C., Franke, K., Menq, F., Vantassel, J. P., Yust, M., & Stokoe, K. (2020). NHERI@UTexas Proof-of-Capability Testing Workshop: non-intrusive 3D levee imaging in St. Louis, MO [Dataset]. DesignSafe-CI [publisher]. https://doi.org/10.17603/ds2-1zc5-8n08.
  • Cox, B. R. & Vantassel, J. P. (2018) Dynamic Characterization of Wellington, New Zealand [Dataset]. DesignSafe-CI [publisher]. https://doi.org/10.17603/DS24M6J.

Technical Reports

  • Cox, B.R., Vantassel, J.P. (2021). "Deep Shear Wave Velocity Profiling Using MASW and MAM Surface Wave Methods: Idaho National Laboratory" Geotechnical Engineering Report GR21-03, The University of Texas at Austin. May 2021.
  • Cox, B.R., Vantassel, J.P., & Yust, M. (2021). "Deep Shear Wave Velocity Profiling Using MASW and MAM Surface Wave Methods: Pantex Plant PSHA Site Investigation". Geotechnical Engineering Report GR21-01, The University of Texas at Austin. January 2021.
  • Cox, B.R. & Vantassel, J.P. (2019). "Deep Shear Wave Velocity Profiling Using MASW and MAM Surface Wave Methods: Amarapura Urban Development Project (AUDP)". October 2019.
  • Cox, B.R. & Vantassel, J.P. (2019). "Shear Wave Velocity Profiling Using MASW and MAM Surface Wave Methods: Wellington Girls' College in Wellington, New Zealand". May 2019.
  • Cox, B.R. & Vantassel, J.P. (2017). "Deep Shear Wave Velocity Profiling Using MASW and MAM Surface Wave Methods: SCDOT Deep Borehole Sites near Andrews and Conway, South Carolina", Geotechnical Engineering Report GR17-18, The University of Texas at Austin. July 2017.
  • Cox, B.R., Teague, D., Vantassel, J.P. & Yust, M. (2017). “Deep Shear Wave Velocity Profiling Using MASW and MAM Measurements: East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Delta Tunnel Project,” Geotechnical Engineering Report GR17-04, The University of Texas at Austin. January 2017.

Open Access Course Material

An introduction to parallel programming.

An introduction to Git and version control.

A non-traditional approach to Python 3.

An introduction to the Bourne Again SHell (BASH).