Geotechnical centrifuge modeling: Difference between revisions

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{{more footnotes|date=January 2012}}
[[File:Geotechnical centrifuge at the University of California, Davis..png|thumb|{{convert|9|m|ft|adj=mid|-radius|0}} geotechnical [[centrifuge]] at the University of California, Davis]]
'''Geotechnical centrifuge modeling''' is a technique for testing physical scale models of [[geotechnical|Geotechnical Engineering]] systems such as natural and man-made slopes and earth retaining structures and building or bridge foundations. The scale [[Physical model|model]] is typically constructed in the laboratory and then loaded onto the end of the [[centrifuge]], which is typically between {{convert|0.2|and|10|m|ft|1}} in radius. The purpose of spinning the models on the centrifuge is to increase the [[g-force]]s on the model so that stresses in the model are equal to stresses in the prototype. For example, the stress beneath a {{convert|0.1|m|ft|1|adj=mid|-deep|1}} layer of model [[Soil mechanics|soil]] spun at a centrifugal acceleration of 50 g produces stresses equivalent to those beneath a {{convert|5|m|ft|adj=mid|-deep|0}} prototype layer of soil in earth's [[gravity]].
 
The idea to use centrifugal acceleration to simulate increased gravitational acceleration was first proposed by Phillips (1869). Pokrovsky and Fedorov (1936) in the Soviet Union and Bucky (1931) in the United States were the first to implement the idea. [[Andrew N. Schofield]] (e.g. Schofield 1980) played a key role in modern development of centrifuge modeling.
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==Principles of centrifuge modeling==
===Typical applications===
[[File:Centrifuge Model of a Port Structure.png|thumb|Model of a port structure loaded on the UC Davis centrifuge]]
A geotechnical centrifuge is used to test models of geotechnical problems such as the strength, stiffness and capacity of foundations for bridges and buildings, settlement of embankments, stability of slopes, earth retaining structures, tunnel stability and seawalls. Other applications include explosive cratering, contaminant migration in ground water, frost heave and sea ice. The centrifuge may be useful for scale modeling of any large-scale nonlinear problem for which gravity is a primary driving force.
 
===Reason for model testing on the centrifuge===