Centrifuge modelling as a consulting tool

Modelling is a primary tool for understanding complex engineering problems. In geotechnical engineering, physical and numerical modelling should be considered as complementary tools, both able to contribute substantially to the development of knowledge but one usually emerging as being the most effective or efficient for obtaining solutions for a certain class of problems. By considering past practice, recent progress, and amenability to modelling, the suitability of centrifuge modelling as a practical tool for solving various classes of geotechnical problems is discussed. Those problems for which the author considers centrifuge modelling to be a state-of-the-art consulting tool are delineated. Scale effects, boundary effects, and the concept of modelling of models are examined. Some known limitations in the physical modelling of natural phenomenon are noted. Centrifuge size, type, and complexity are discussed with reference to some of the more complex geotechnical problems, and some suggestions regarding methodologies for prototype evaluations are advanced. Key words: centrifuge modelling, consulting, physical modelling, centrifuge size, centrifuge use.