Dynamic Geotechnical Centrifuge
The geotechnical centrifuge is a special facility capable of replicating on reduced scale models the same stress field existing in-situ increasing the gravity field by rotation.
This condition is fundamental in geotechnics because the mechanical behaviour of soils is strongly dependent on the stress-field.
The geotechnical centrifuge of ISMGEO is the first and the only existing in Italy. The machine is active since 1988, in 2010 it has been upgraded with an earthquake simulator, making it one among the four dynamic centrifuges existing in Europe.
During a test the model is first led to the correct state of stress, then external loads (vertical and horizontal) are applied on soil and structures possibly up to the failure. By the earthquake simulator it is also possible to reproduce earthquakes in order to verify the seismic behaviour of the soil-structure system.
Some applications under static conditions:
- Stability and failure mechanisms of shallow and deep foundations
- Embankments, mass wasting, retaining walls, sheet piling
- Earthworks and tunnels
- Soil improvement techniques
- Subsidence
Some applications under dynamic conditions:
- Seismic wave propagation (local amplification phenomena)
- Liquefaction susceptibility of sand deposits
- Dynamic behaviour of earthworks and natural slopes
- Dynamic soil-structure interaction of surface and underground works
Physical modelling aims giving a solution to specific problems. Some of the most important past projects:
- Leaning Pisa Tower: static equilibrium analysis and verification of proposed stabilisation techniques
- "Murazzi" of Venice: retaining walls of XVIII cen. as tide defenses, verify the design of piles to reduce settlement
- MOSE of Venice: (mobile gates to protect Venice from flooding) verify the design of foundations by non-contact piles
- Montedomini Tunnel on Highway A14: verify the widening project of the tunnel
- Nenskra Dam: seimic behaviour of the rockfill dam
