Staged Embankment Construction in Geotechnical Centrifuges

Abstract

Abstract This study develops a novel apparatus to simulate the staged, automatic construction of embankments in geotechnical centrifuges with improved measurement accuracy. Modular test equipment was designed to incorporate the functionality of controllable and precise sand release; its structural components include a box-like sand storage module, a push-pull sand release module, and a stepper motor control module. Emphasis was placed on the design of segmented deflectors, the angles of which were derived with rigorous mathematical analysis to mitigate the Coriolis effect on falling sand. Calibration tests demonstrate that the post-construction embankment geometry approximates its target shape with a relative error of 0.72 to 7.37 % in different construction phases at an acceleration of 60 g. A trial was conducted on a staged embankment over the deformable ground, and the displacement of this system was monitored and characterized by tracking reflective marker technology. The results indicate that the proposed method is effective and reflects real-life situations.