Centrifuge Model Study on Onshore, Marine and Offshore Geotechnical Problems

Prof C F Leung
National University of Singapore

 Abstract

Centrifuge modelling is a powerful and versatile tool to investigate geotechnical problems. This lecture will first highlight the advantages of centrifuge model testing and briefly cover the centrifuge model scaling laws. This is followed by the applications of centrifuge model testing on sample onshore, marine and offshore geotechnical problems. An example of onshore problem examines the effect of rising ground water table on the bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundation on loess soil. This is followed by a marine geotechnical problem concerning the movement of gravity caisson wharf front structures under container port service loading and the effects of breaking waves on gravity caisson breakwater structures. The example of offshore geotechnical problem investigates the effects of jack-up spudcan installation on adjacent piled foundation supporting the permanent jacket platform. Through these sample problems, the advantages and possible pitfalls of centrifuge modelling technique are illustrated.

 Biography

Professor LEUNG Chun Fai is a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the National University of Singapore. Professor Leung has taught courses in geotechnical engineering, pile foundations, rock mechanics and foundation analysis. He has published many technical papers in international journals and conferences covering topics such as centrifuge modelling of geotechnical problems, pile foundations, land reclamation and excavation in jointed rocks. Professor Leung has delivered keynote/invited lectures at many international geotechnical and offshore engineering conferences. He is on the ISO Jack-up foundation panel P4.

Professor Leung is a registered professional engineer (geotechnical specialist) in Singapore and a chartered civil engineer in UK. He has served as a geotechnical consultant for many government and private organisations involving projects in Singapore and the region on pile foundations, land reclamation, seafront wharf structures, anchored retaining wall, centrifuge model testing, slope stability, soil settlement and erosion studies.