A simple modular system for undergraduate laboratory experiments using a geotechnical centrifuge

Publication Title
A simple modular system for undergraduate laboratory experiments using a geotechnical centrifuge

Abstract

Simple centrifuge modelling experiments that replicate classical geotechnical failure mechanisms form a valuable component of an undergraduate education program. This paper describes a set of apparatus and experimental procedures developed at the University of Southampton to support laboratory experiments in the geotechnical modules of the undergraduate Civil Engineering program. The apparatus is designed to be modular and easily handled by students, to maximise the efficiency and the hands-on nature of the activity. The paper describes the miniature modular and stackable strongbox system that can be configured to allow up to nine samples to be tested concurrently, the procedures used for efficient model construction, and the set of geotechnical models that represent walls, foundation and other systems, for which stability predictions can be made prior to the students observing their own model being tested. These experiments benefit students in many ways. Primarily they strengthen the understanding of the underlying geotechnical analysis methods, by applying them to a real failure that they conduct and observe. The students also get hands-on familiarity with soil sample preparation and characterization methods. Finally, there are also cohort-building and peer-to-peer learning benefits from this type of group work in a laboratory setting.

Authors
Nicolo Deluigi; Jorge Mendoza-Ulloa; Joel Smethurst; David White

Published In

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

Theme

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