Coupled centrifuge-numerical modelling of shallow strip foundations

• Published in: Geotechnical Aspects of Underground Construction in Soft Ground pp. 404 - 412
• Main Authors: Tang, C., Selvaraj, S.P., Heron, C.M., Marshall, A.M.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: CRC Press 2024
• Edition: 1
• Subjects: hybrid modelling; Abaqus; tunnel-building interaction; centrifuge
• ISBN: 9781032538129; 1032538163; 1032538120; 9781032538167
• DOI: 10.1201/9781003413790-48

Hybrid modelling within geotechnical centrifuge tests is capable of combining the advantages of centrifuge models (providing soil stress/deformation data) with those of numerical models (capturing structural details along with associated load distributions and deformations), resulting in more accurate and reliable data of full-scale soil-structure interaction scenarios. This paper discusses a new version of the coupled centrifuge-numerical modelling (CCNM) method developed at the University of Nottingham Centre for Geomechanics (NCG) that is designed to test a continuous interface representing a shallow foundation. Specifically, the displacements of a strip foundation affected by tunnelling measured in a centrifuge model are transferred to an Abaqus numerical model of a masonry wall, with revised structural loads (from load redistribution within the building) from the numerical model then fed back to the loading of the strip foundation in the centrifuge model. This hybrid modelling approach provides a more realistic global interaction analysis compared to "traditional" approaches where a constant load is applied to the foundation. The paper provides details of the adopted equipment and methodologies, including rules for selecting and transferring displacement data from the centrifuge model and how the data is conditioned during the transfer processes. Preliminary test results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the new CCNM method for data transfer at the continuous interface between the centrifuge and numerical models. The new CCNM method provides novel avenues for studying tunnel-building interactions with shallow strip foundations.