Progress in Geotechnical Dynamic Centrifuge Modeling.

This report discusses the history and technical advances of centrifuge modeling of highly dynamic geotechnical events. Difficulties and validity of centrifuge modeling technology are presented along with examples of dynamic centrifuge modeling and advantages of using centrifuge modeling technology to study the behavior of geotechnical structures. The centrifuge modeling technique has a tremendous potential for experimentally determining the behavior of soils and soil structure interaction problems. The prototype stresses and strains are correctly modeled in a centrifuge model by the application of centrifugal acceleration. Past experiments clearly demonstrate the feasibility of performing dynamic centrifuge modeling under earthquake-loading, machine vibration, and blast-loading environments. There are, however, difficulties associated with dynamic centrifuge modeling; some of which can be overcome by performing experiments in large capacity centrifuges. The remaining difficulties require further research and development.