Physical modelling in Geotechnics
Physical modelling in Geotechnics is a core activity for ISMGEO. This technique allows to reproduce natural or artificial phenomena and to apply external loads directly on the model of an existing or future work.
Physical modelling is often used in aerodynamics, naval hydrodynamics and architecture, and offers interesting applications in geotechnics being very useful in studying the complex soil-structure interaction under static and seismic conditions without a priori assumptions.
Some typical applications:
- shallow and deep foundations
- tunnels
- retaining walls and structures
- dams
- levees and embankment
- seismic phenomena
- liquefaction
- landslides and slope stability
Main advantages:
- simulation of severe stress and loading conditions in a controlled environment
- tests can be reiterated to perform parametric analyses
- time and cost effective solution in comparison to real scale testing
Physical modelling is a complementary technique to numerical modelling, experimental data can be used to calibrate parameters and constitutive models and to verify the hypotheses about studied phenomena.
ISMGEO promotes geotechnical physical modelling activity in Italy by the interaction with civil engineering companies and universities. ISMGEO is the Italian reference laboratory in this field, the company disposes of some special facilities:
- Dynamic Geotechnical Centrifuge (only four existing in Europe)
- Calibration Chamber
- Large Direct Shear Box
- Equipment for real scale modelling