Model for large strain consolidation by centrifuge

A numerical model, called CC1, is presented for one-dimensional large strain consolidation in a geotechnical centrifuge. The model includes all the capabilities of a previous large strain consolidation code, CS2, written for surcharge loading under normal gravity conditions. In addition, CC1 accounts for variation of acceleration factor N over the depth of a centrifuge test specimen. The development of CC1 is first presented, followed by a comparison of simulated time-settlement curves with experimental measurements for Singapore marine clay and a parametric study illustrating the effects of nonuniform N distribution on centrifuge consolidation behavior. Simulations indicate that the effect of spatially varying N is most strongly controlled by the ratio of specimen height to centrifuge arm length and that the error associated with the assumption of constant N is relatively small if this ratio is 0.2 or less. Finally, CC1 is used to calculate the optimal location within a centrifuge specimen of Singapore marine clay at which to match the desired N value and the error that results if N is matched at the initial midheight of the specimen. International Journal of Geomechanics