This paper describes the history of the method of characteristics as the wave equation solution, and the author’s experiences with this solution. The Dutch research institute TNO started the development of the wave equation program TNOWAVE in the late 1970’s; today the program has a worldwide application in the field of pile testing. This paper describes its development, and its relation to today’s applications for driveability studies (PDPWAVE), Dynamic Load Testing signal matching (DLTWAVE), Pile Integrity Testing signal matching (SITWAVE), and Statnamic simulation (STNWAVE). The paper also highlights the algorithms behind the program, and finally identifies areas for further development.
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