Scaling Physical Reality
By subjecting soil models to increased gravitational acceleration, we restore the prototype stress state within a small-scale physical model. A 1/100th scale model tested at 100g experiences the identical stress distribution as the full-scale prototype.
Furthermore, diffusion processes (like consolidation or groundwater flow) scale with the square of the acceleration. One year of real-world settlement occurs in less than one hour during a 100g test.
Modeling Capabilities
Offshore Foundations
Suction caissons, monopiles, and drag anchors for wind turbines and oil/gas platforms under monotonic and cyclic loading.
Seismic Excitation
1D shake table capable of replicating historical earthquake time-histories to study liquefaction and soil-structure interaction.
Retaining Structures
Deep excavations, tunnel portals, and mechanically stabilized earth walls under complex stress paths.