A newly developed state-of-the-art geotechnical centrifuge in Korea

Abstract

The first large scale geotechnical centrifuge in Korea has recently been developed at KAIST under the Korea Construction Engineering Development (KOCED) Collaboratory program. A 5 m platform radius, 240 g-tons state-of-the-art geotechnical centrifuge has been installed in a new facility. The centrifuge has the unique feature of an automatic balancing system and includes parts for general testing purposes such as fluid rotary joints, slip rings, a fiber optic rotary joint and an Ethernet network system. In addition, a four degree-of-freedom in-flight robot can be equipped to simulate complex construction or in-situ testing process during centrifuge flight. In order to simulate earthquake motion during operation, a self-balancing type biaxial shaking table has also been developed. Since the KOCED program promotes collaboration and remote use, tele-presence and tele-participation environments have been implemented in this facility.