A Hybrid C-Frame Laminar Model Container with PIV Window for Dynamic Centrifuge Testing

Publication Title
A Hybrid C-Frame Laminar Model Container with PIV Window for Dynamic Centrifuge Testing

Abstract

Dynamic centrifuge modelling has been recognised as an effective technique for investigating complex seismically-induced geotechnical hazards. Conventional centrifuge containers, such as the laminar box and the rigid Perspex window container, all present limitationseither restricting the ability to capture real-time soilstructure deformations using digital imaging techniques (DIC) or inducing undesirable boundary effects. This paper introduces the design principles of a newly developed hybrid C-frame laminarwindow container at the Schofield Centre, University of Cambridge. The new container combines the compliant boundary condition of a laminar box, in the form of C-frames, with the optical accessibility of a Perspex window rigid strong box, enabling direct observation of soil deformation mechanisms using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The performance of the container is demonstrated through two dynamic centrifuge tests, at an inclination of three and six degrees, which confirm both the effectiveness of the flexible boundary condition and the feasibility of this design as a next-generation centrifuge modelling tool.

Authors
D. M. Xu; Zhengyao He; H. Qu; Stuart Haigh; P. Gopal MADABHUSHIS

Published In

11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)

Theme

Session 1: New facilities, new equipment, and measuring techniques