APPLICATIONS OF CENTRIFUGE MODELLING TO PRACTICAL PROBLEMS. A REPORT OF THE BRITISH GEOTECHNICAL SOCIETY'S INFORMAL DISCUSSION HELD AT THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS ON MAY 9, 1984

The discussion was introduced by two main speakers: DR RJ Mair, who illustrated how different types of test can be of help to the designer. He identified four categories of centrifuge test: mechanistic studies, numerical validation studies, parametric studies, site specific studies. Mr M O'Reilly, summarized the programme of centrifuge tests initiated by the TRRL over the last decade: soft ground tunnelling, trenching, reinforced and anchored earth, spill-through abutments, diaphragm walls, flexible pipes and culverts. Prepared discussions from the floor followed the talks by the main speakers; they described testing facilities available in a number of countries, UK, Japan, USA, and outlined applications of centrifuge testing in a number of fields. A brief comparison was made of results obtained with the Bishop's method for slope stability analysis and centrifuge model tests. (TRRL)