Geotechnical Lab Tour to the Schofield Centre (University of Cambridge)

Synopsis

The Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group at the University of Cambridge invites SECED Young Members to the Schofield Centre for a laboratory visit. The Schofield Centre is a world-renowned laboratory for physical modelling in geotechnics and is home to a wide range of experimental equipment, which includes the 10 m diameter Turner beam centrifuge. Dynamic centrifuge modelling, which utilises an earthquake actuator on the beam centrifuge, is an extremely powerful tool for investigating geotechnical earthquake engineering problems. Current projects using these facilities include investigating liquefaction induced failure mechanisms and mitigation methods, soil-structure interaction during foundation rocking, the dynamic behaviour of pile foundations in soft clay and the seismic performance of tied back sheet pile walls.

Programme highlights

• An introduction to centrifuge modelling and its use in investigating dynamic geotechnical problems
• Go into the centrifuge testing pit to see the centrifuge
• Lab wide tour including shakers and model preparation equipment
• Meet the lab researchers and hear about their current work

About the hosts

Professor Gopal Madabhushi (University of Cambridge) is Head of the Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group in the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge and is Director of the Schofield Centre. Professor Madabhushi has wide-ranging interests in the field of earthquake geotechnical engineering, from post earthquake field investigations to experimental and numerical investigations of liquefaction induced failure mechanisms of civil engineering structures. Professor Madabhushi has been instrumental in the development of new equipment at the Schofield Centre, including the earthquake actuators and model containers for use of the beam centrifuge.

Fiona Hughes (University of Cambridge) is a PhD student in the Department of Engineering, at the University of Cambridge. She is using dynamic centrifuge modelling to investigate whether the uplift forces provided by basement storeys can be used to reduce liquefaction induced settlement of structures. Fiona was part of the 2016 EEFIT reconnaissance mission to Muisne, Ecuador and was Chair of the Cambridge University Geotechnical Society for the 2017/18 academic year. Fiona currently sits on the SECED Young Members’ Subcommittee.

Further information

The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register your interest. Only 20 places are available and these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis with priority given to Young Members of SECED. However, all members are encouraged to apply. After the tour, there will be the option of networking and dinner.

For directions to the Schofield Centre, visit the website of the Geotechnical and Environmental Research Group.