Development and evaluation of an instrumentation system for high acceleration centrifuge testing of an artificial rock material
"This research investigation deals with the development and evaluation of an instrumentation system for high acceleration centrifuge testing of an artificial rock material. A stress analysis of the centrifuge rotor was performed to ensure its safe operation. The centrifuge was found to be safe for operation to a maximum of 1000 rpm for a payload of 15 pounds (6.82 kg). The instrumentation system developed includes photoelastic, photographic and strain gage systems of measurement. Small earth pressure cells for use in static or centrifuge testing were developed and their performance has been evaluated. The pressure cells embedded in sand were found to be reliable. One of the major objectives of this investigation was to develop a fiber reinforced artificial rock material for plane strain static or centrifuge model testing. This material allows use of a nonconventional technique which has distinct advantages over the conventional technique of plane strain model testing. Advantages of using this fibre reinforced artificial rock as a model material are: full visibility of the sides of the model during loading, no shear and friction at the model surface, simple set up and uniform confinement. A compact and lightweight model holder, with an ability to apply horizontal pressure, has been developed. The possible influence of Poisson's ratio mismatch on the horizontal stress due to the rigid boundary confinement was avoided by supporting the model on a flexible rubber tube filled with a liquid of an appropriate density. This investigation also includes the result of a comprehensive survey of various geotechnical centrifuge facilities"--Abstract, page iii.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
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