A novel digital pore pressure transducer in geotechnical physical modelling
A novel digital pore pressure transducer in geotechnical physical modelling
This paper presents the development and evaluation of a new digital pore pressure transducer (PPT) for centrifuge modelling. Motivated by the discontinuation and limitations of traditional analogue devices such as the Druck PDCR-81, the new digital PPT employs an MS5837 digital sensor within a compact stainless-steel casing and interchangeable porous filters for use in sand and clay. Calibration results show that the transducer responds consistently to applied pressures with stable offsets. Centrifuge testing further illustrates its ability to capture the overall evolution of pore pressures under both static and dynamic loading conditions. Although its sampling rate is lower than analogue PPTs, fast-logging at 300-500 Hz enables reliable measurement of seismic pore pressure cycles. Results indicate that the digital PPT provides a practical, low-cost, and robust alternative to conventional analogue PPTs for static and dynamic centrifuge modelling.
Zhijun Xu; Xing Liang; N. G. Lee; Shechuan Liu; Stuart Haigh
11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG2026)
Session 1: New facilities, new equipment, and measuring techniques
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICPMG2026-163