Research projects using instructional geotechnical
centrifuge:
An
instructional centrifuge is fabricated based on the instructional centrifuge at
the University of Colorado at Boulder. The UVM centrifuge is equipped with a
loadcell and displacements are obtained through analysis of digital images of
the models. A large consolidometer (20 cm in diameter) is also fabricated to
prepare large consolidated clay cakes for making centrifuge models. The
centrifuge is used to conduct educational research projects on the following
stability problems: (1) undrained slope stability (validation of Taylor’s
stability chart and limit equilibrium-based computer program SLOPE/W); (2)
retaining wall (Rankine’s active and passive earth pressure theories); and (3)
undrained bearing capacity (validation of Prandtl’s bearing capacity theory).
