Centrifuge modelling in clay marine applications

The advantages of centrifuge modelling compared with full scale field testing are particularly apparent when soil-structure interaction in offshore and marine applications is to be investigated. This paper will concentrate on how to prepare a model in clay, having designed a strength profile for the clay layer. Some typical stress paths obtained throughout the modelling will also be presented, together with an introduction to in-flight and post-test site investigadon techniques. TOEALISATIONS FROM MODEL TO PROTOTYPE Modelling a field situation will always require some idealisation. Designers will tend to describe a variable matrix of rock and soil in terms of zones and layers, using some appropriate properties to allow analysis of their performance under some loading regime. The range of critical modes of behaviour will be identified and the factors which might affect them will be studied in detail.