50g-Tonne 4m Diameter Civil Engineering Centrifuge: Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Civil and Structural Engineering
Abstract
Ground Engineering is of critical importance to society through the provision of infrastructure and underpins key challenges relating to energy provision, dealing with the impact of climate change on our infrastructure and manufacturing the future through the use of novel material in construction.
The extent of Civil Engineering infrastructure and variable ground conditions frequently preclude full-scale field trials placing high value infrastructure assets at risk due to uncertainty in performance. The stress dependent strength and stiffness behaviour of soil prevent small bench scale model tests to effectively capture full-scale behaviour unless stress levels are artificially enhanced. Gravitational acceleration produced by an engineering centrifuge enhances stresses and therefore enables observations of small scale models tested at elevated gravity to represent full-scale conditions. Distinct advantages of this method are that it (i) offers a more cost effective approach compared to full scale testing for validating behaviour, (ii) enables new designs to be safely evaluated, (iii) enables us to learn from previous failures to provide improved engineering design, and (iv) offers the ability to predict future performance of our infrastructure to extreme climate change events, thus enabling prevention strategies to be adopted.
The University of Sheffield, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering will establish a flagship research centre, 'The Centre for Energy and Infrastructure Research' targeted specifically at developing connectivity between Ground Engineering and key areas of strategic national importance in Energy, Living with Environmental Change and Manufacturing the Future, to deliver modern infrastructure and inform management strategies for existing assets to prolong their life cycle. Central to this facility will be a 50g-tonne 4m diameter beam centrifuge, capable of rotating a mass of 500kg at 150g, equipped with the latest technological advancements, instrumentation and robotic actuator control, to unlock vital scientific knowledge that will enable enhanced understanding of complex construction problems.
The centre will be embedded at the heart of one of the UK's premier engineering faculties and will capitalise on a portfolio of multi-disciplinary research to explore new innovative scientific discovery. We will work with academics in other institutions by operating the centrifuge as a shared resource which will establish a hub of expertise to deliver interdisciplinary research providing fundamental understanding and applied guidance to government and industry stakeholders to optimise investment in infrastructure management and development.
The extent of Civil Engineering infrastructure and variable ground conditions frequently preclude full-scale field trials placing high value infrastructure assets at risk due to uncertainty in performance. The stress dependent strength and stiffness behaviour of soil prevent small bench scale model tests to effectively capture full-scale behaviour unless stress levels are artificially enhanced. Gravitational acceleration produced by an engineering centrifuge enhances stresses and therefore enables observations of small scale models tested at elevated gravity to represent full-scale conditions. Distinct advantages of this method are that it (i) offers a more cost effective approach compared to full scale testing for validating behaviour, (ii) enables new designs to be safely evaluated, (iii) enables us to learn from previous failures to provide improved engineering design, and (iv) offers the ability to predict future performance of our infrastructure to extreme climate change events, thus enabling prevention strategies to be adopted.
The University of Sheffield, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering will establish a flagship research centre, 'The Centre for Energy and Infrastructure Research' targeted specifically at developing connectivity between Ground Engineering and key areas of strategic national importance in Energy, Living with Environmental Change and Manufacturing the Future, to deliver modern infrastructure and inform management strategies for existing assets to prolong their life cycle. Central to this facility will be a 50g-tonne 4m diameter beam centrifuge, capable of rotating a mass of 500kg at 150g, equipped with the latest technological advancements, instrumentation and robotic actuator control, to unlock vital scientific knowledge that will enable enhanced understanding of complex construction problems.
The centre will be embedded at the heart of one of the UK's premier engineering faculties and will capitalise on a portfolio of multi-disciplinary research to explore new innovative scientific discovery. We will work with academics in other institutions by operating the centrifuge as a shared resource which will establish a hub of expertise to deliver interdisciplinary research providing fundamental understanding and applied guidance to government and industry stakeholders to optimise investment in infrastructure management and development.
Planned Impact
Operating as a shared resource for academic researchers at 11 partnering institutions: Belfast, Bolton, Bradford, Dublin (UCD), Durham, Galway, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle Salford and Sheffield; the centrifuge will have an immeasurable impact on academia. Our proposal clearly outlines the unique state-of-the-art scientific capabilities the centrifuge will provide; and the impact these will have in allowing the academic community to unlock new scientific understanding. This proposal will unite academic experience, foster new relations and trigger innovative cross-institution multi-disciplinary research over many decades.Training of high quality early career researcher will be an important output of our programme to develop the next generation of future research leaders.
There will be an immediate benefit to challenges areas of national importance (Energy, Living with Environmental Change and Manufacturing the Future) and thematic research subjects identified to be of 'Maintain' or 'Grow' status. Technology translation to cognate engineering disciplines (Materials, Mechanical & Aerospace Eng.) provides an interesting juxtaposition for wider academic impact beyond the traditional field of ground engineering. This application will deliver impact regionally by mitigating inadequate provision of similar facilities in the North of England; nationally through the integration of partners beyond the geographical region and our ambition to enable national access via entry to EPSRC's facility database; and translated internationally via high quality publications which will demonstrate the investment and strength of UK research on the world stage, thus supporting economic recovery and stimulating growth.
Industry (consultants and contractors) will benefit as centrifuge modelling has played a pivotal role in developing understanding of complex geotechnical problems. Notable contributions include: foundation design, retaining structures and offshore geomechnics. The unrivalled capability of recreating full scale ground stress conditions have made centrifuge technology a cost effective approach to generate vital scientific evidence of prototype performance though observation of realistic failure mechanics which are not possible at full scale. There is increasing demand for this service from the construction industry to enhance design for competitive advantage, revise industry standards, validate numerical models and de-risk multi-million infrastructure projects. Industrial relevant output will be highly beneficial to government authorities (i.e. Dept. of Transport, Environment, Energy & Climate Change) concerned with formulating infrastructure investment policies, asset management and risk mitigation strategies to deliver resilience infrastructure that is vital to the UK's future prosperity.
The general public and society will ultimately benefit through the delivery of nationally important research that will provide superior resilient new infrastructure and extended life of existing assets which in turn will minimise public expenditure. We will target public engagement to help change the current 'taken for granted' attitude to infrastructure, informing the next generation of the need to alter societal habits regarding energy usage and the need for renewable/carbon neutral strategies.
Lastly, there will be direct benefits for the environment and the economy as the equipment will be specifically targeted at areas of immediate and high impact such as renewable energy or assessing the impact of climate change on infrastructure.
There will be an immediate benefit to challenges areas of national importance (Energy, Living with Environmental Change and Manufacturing the Future) and thematic research subjects identified to be of 'Maintain' or 'Grow' status. Technology translation to cognate engineering disciplines (Materials, Mechanical & Aerospace Eng.) provides an interesting juxtaposition for wider academic impact beyond the traditional field of ground engineering. This application will deliver impact regionally by mitigating inadequate provision of similar facilities in the North of England; nationally through the integration of partners beyond the geographical region and our ambition to enable national access via entry to EPSRC's facility database; and translated internationally via high quality publications which will demonstrate the investment and strength of UK research on the world stage, thus supporting economic recovery and stimulating growth.
Industry (consultants and contractors) will benefit as centrifuge modelling has played a pivotal role in developing understanding of complex geotechnical problems. Notable contributions include: foundation design, retaining structures and offshore geomechnics. The unrivalled capability of recreating full scale ground stress conditions have made centrifuge technology a cost effective approach to generate vital scientific evidence of prototype performance though observation of realistic failure mechanics which are not possible at full scale. There is increasing demand for this service from the construction industry to enhance design for competitive advantage, revise industry standards, validate numerical models and de-risk multi-million infrastructure projects. Industrial relevant output will be highly beneficial to government authorities (i.e. Dept. of Transport, Environment, Energy & Climate Change) concerned with formulating infrastructure investment policies, asset management and risk mitigation strategies to deliver resilience infrastructure that is vital to the UK's future prosperity.
The general public and society will ultimately benefit through the delivery of nationally important research that will provide superior resilient new infrastructure and extended life of existing assets which in turn will minimise public expenditure. We will target public engagement to help change the current 'taken for granted' attitude to infrastructure, informing the next generation of the need to alter societal habits regarding energy usage and the need for renewable/carbon neutral strategies.
Lastly, there will be direct benefits for the environment and the economy as the equipment will be specifically targeted at areas of immediate and high impact such as renewable energy or assessing the impact of climate change on infrastructure.
Organisations
- University of Sheffield (Lead Research Organisation)
- Huesker (Collaboration)
- Fugro (Collaboration)
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Collaboration)
- Aarsleff Ground Engineering (Collaboration)
- DURHAM UNIVERSITY (Collaboration)
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Collaboration)
- Queen's University (Collaboration)
- Atkins (United Kingdom) (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS (Collaboration)
- Network Rail (Collaboration)
- The French Institute of Science and Technology for Transport, Development and Networks (Collaboration)
- University of Manchester (Collaboration)
- University of Colorado Boulder (Collaboration)
- Yamaguchi University (Collaboration)
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) (Collaboration)
- Newcastle University (Collaboration)
- University of Western Australia (Collaboration)
- QUEEN'S UNIVERSITY BELFAST (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (Collaboration)
- Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) (Collaboration)
- Technical University of Denmark (Collaboration)
- University of California, Davis (Collaboration)
- Western University (Collaboration)
- British Geological Survey (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON (Collaboration)
- Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD (Collaboration)
- Arup Group (Collaboration)
Publications

ANDERSON C
(2015)
Measurement of permeability using a bench-top centrifuge
in Géotechnique

Bayton S
(2018)
Physical Modelling in Geotechnics


Bayton S
(2018)
Physical Modelling in Geotechnics

Bayton S.M.
(2019)
The effect of scour on monopile lateral behaviour


Black J
(2015)
Centrifuge Modelling With Transparent Soil and Laser Aided Imaging
in Geotechnical Testing Journal

Black J
(2015)
Quantification of Optical Clarity of Transparent Soil Using the Modulation Transfer Function
in Geotechnical Testing Journal

Black J
(2015)
Transparent Soil to Model Thermal Processes: An Energy Pile Example
in Geotechnical Testing Journal
Description | We have successfully established a world leading experimental facility that is underpinning many streams of research related to energy and infrastructure in the ground engineering sector. Many new experimental techniques have resulted from our scientific developments that have informed other international research centres - i.e. advanced visualisation methods and real-time inflight control systems. We have delivered 3 shared UK/International projects in 2018 as part of our collaboration activities. Scientific discovery has been significant in the area of offshore wind energy. Our research has produced new insight of soil structure interaction under cyclic loading (x10^6), which has informed current design methods as to the long-term determination of pile foundations. Also, we are a leading member in a newly formed international consortium evaluating new renewable foundations systems by centrifuging methods. |
Exploitation Route | New design methodologies, adoption of advanced testing techniques, changing design guidance and management strategies for infrastructure resilience. |
Sectors | Aerospace Defence and Marine Communities and Social Services/Policy Construction Education Electronics Energy Environment Transport |
Description | Training of highly skilled staff and research students. Informed industry about design protocol and impact to long-term sustainability of renewable energy foundations. |
First Year Of Impact | 2013 |
Sector | Construction,Energy,Environment,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Transport |
Impact Types | Societal Economic |
Description | Offshore renewable Foundation Guidence |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Description | PARTICLE-SCALE INVESTIGATION OF SEEPAGE INDUCED GEOTECHNICAL INSTABILITY |
Amount | £337,877 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/P010423/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2017 |
End | 03/2021 |
Description | AArsleff - Driven Pile Project |
Organisation | Aarsleff Ground Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Consultancy project to investigate the performance of driven piles in consolidating clay embankments. Our contribution developed an analytical model to predict the soil consolidation and resultant transfer of moment onto the raked pile foundations. |
Collaborator Contribution | Consultancy project to investigate the performance of driven piles in consolidating clay embankments. Our partner contribution was providing access to case histories and support the development of the design tools. |
Impact | A technical article resulted from the work that was published in the Institution of Civil Engineers, Ground Engineering Magazine: entitled Challenging the Perception of Precast Piles: Bayton SM; Black JA; Smith CC; Handley B and Primett C. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Embankment Flooding |
Organisation | Yamaguchi University |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have established a joint programme, we are leading the experimental work in the collaboration at no cost to the project in order to establish a beneficial collaboration for the future. This project is targeted to yield a journal paper. 2 conference outputs have already been produced. Based on this work a follow up UKRI funding application is being prepared to investigate the area of flooding. |
Collaborator Contribution | Academic input and support to the programme of work - also provision of a PhD student to complete the programme of work. |
Impact | Invited to speak at the European Geotehnical Conference (Iceland 2019) at a special seminar on flooding as a result of the works. This has raised awareness of our work in this field internationally. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Government - BGS |
Organisation | British Geological Survey |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Support to centre and identifying research challenges. Access to design info, field site data etc. |
Collaborator Contribution | Support to centre and identifying research challenges. Access to design info, field site data etc. |
Impact | None to date. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Industry - Aktins Geotechnics |
Organisation | WS Atkins |
Department | Atkins Process Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Support/direction on design of offshore energy foundations, research data. |
Collaborator Contribution | Industry support to a PhD research project. Access to design info, field site data etc. |
Impact | None to date. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | Industry - Fugro |
Organisation | Fugro |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Industry support to centre and identifying research challenges. Access to design info, field site data etc. |
Collaborator Contribution | Industry support to centre and identifying research challenges. Access to design info, field site data etc. |
Impact | None to date. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Industry - Huesker |
Organisation | Huesker |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Industry support to centre and identifying research challenges |
Collaborator Contribution | Industry support to centre and identifying research challenges. In-kind support by way of consumable supplies. |
Impact | Research paper in preparation and grant application being developed. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | International Collaboration - Hong Kong University of Science and Tech |
Organisation | The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology |
Country | Hong Kong |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Sharing of research/facility development and identifying international research challenges. |
Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of research/facility development and identifying international research challenges. |
Impact | Exchange of technologies. Recent exchange visit by Dr Black to HKUST in Nov. 2018 for s presentation and to discuss new research opportunities. |
Start Year | 2014 |
Description | International Collaboration - Queen's University, Kingston |
Organisation | Queen's University |
Department | Faculty of Civil Engineering |
Country | Canada |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Network steering committee panel member |
Collaborator Contribution | Network steering committee panel member - strategic development. |
Impact | Facility development and identifying national/international research challenges. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | International Collaboration - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Organisation | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Department | Civil and Environmental Engineering |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Sharing of research/facility development and identifying international research challenges. |
Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of research/facility development and identifying international research challenges. |
Impact | Exchange of technologies. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | International Collaboration - University of California, Davis |
Organisation | University of California, Davis |
Department | Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Sharing of research/facility development and identifying international research challenges. |
Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of research/facility development and identifying international research challenges. |
Impact | Exchange of technologies. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | International Collaboration - University of Colorado (Boulder) |
Organisation | University of Colorado Boulder |
Department | Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Sharing of research/facility development and identifying international research challenges. |
Collaborator Contribution | Sharing of research/facility development and identifying international research challenges. |
Impact | Exchange of technologies. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Network Partner - Bolton |
Organisation | University of Bolton |
Department | Civil Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Network host: facilitate access to the centrifuge facility and support the development of research projects/proposals. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contribution to the research strategy, research projects and output. |
Impact | None to date. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Network Partner - Bradford |
Organisation | University of Bradford |
Department | Civil Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Network host: facilitate access to the centrifuge facility and support the development of research projects/proposals. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contribution to the research strategy, research projects and output. |
Impact | hosted several exchange visits for research discussions. Reinforced soil application being considered. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Network Partner - Durham |
Organisation | Durham University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Network host: facilitate access to the centrifuge facility and support the development of research projects/proposals. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contribution to the research strategy, research projects and output. |
Impact | None to date. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Network Partner - Leeds |
Organisation | University of Leeds |
Department | School of Civil Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Network host: facilitate access to the centrifuge facility and support the development of research projects/proposals. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contribution to the research strategy, research projects and output. |
Impact | None to date. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Network Partner - Manchester |
Organisation | University of Manchester |
Department | School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Network host: facilitate access to the centrifuge facility and support the development of research projects/proposals. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contribution to the research strategy, research projects and output. |
Impact | Exchange of equipment design from CEIGR to UoM to support a new educational centrifuge installed in 2018. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Network Partner - Newcastle |
Organisation | Newcastle University |
Department | School of Civil Engineering and Geosciences |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Network host: facilitate access to the centrifuge facility and support the development of research projects/proposals. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contribution to the research strategy, research projects and output. |
Impact | Exchange of 1 student visiting CEIGR to use experimental facilities. Further funding (GCRF) being explored from the work. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Network Partner - Queens |
Organisation | Queen's University Belfast |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Network host: facilitate access to the centrifuge facility and support the development of research projects/proposals. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contribution to the research strategy, research projects and output. |
Impact | Delivered several centrifuge model experiments to underpin the work of a PhD Student (Joe Fanning). Papers are underway from this work. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Network Partner - Queens |
Organisation | Queen's University Belfast |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Host organisation - coordinating test requirements for the geotechnical centrifuge. |
Collaborator Contribution | Network collaborating partner |
Impact | Early stage collaboration - 1 joint PhD student started Oct 2014. Student successfully defended, graduating in 2017. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Network Partner - Salford |
Organisation | University of Salford |
Department | Civil Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Network host: facilitate access to the centrifuge facility and support the development of research projects/proposals. |
Collaborator Contribution | Contribution to the research strategy, research projects and output. |
Impact | None to date. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) |
Organisation | Norwegian Geotechnical Institute |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We have been a lead partner in setting up an international collaboration group of 8 universities in a network partnership. We are producing experimental data to support one objective of this programme of work in the collaboration at no cost to the project. This will connect us internationally in an area of strategic importance - renewable energy, so we view this as a beneficial collaboration for the future. This project is targeted to yield 2 journal papers and conference output. One journal is submitted and a conference has been published. We are also seeking to follow up with an international network funding application. |
Collaborator Contribution | Academic input and support to the programme of work by each partner. NGI are the co-ordination node and have also produced soil property data from each centre at their own cost. Estimated to be work c.£30,000 to the project. |
Impact | (i) Invited industry seminar on the programme of work by the offshore community, (ii) invited conference paper, several workshops on the network findings to the wider international community. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | Offshore Foundations |
Organisation | Western University |
Country | Canada |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have established a joint programme, we are leading the experimental work in the collaboration at no cost to the project in order to establish a beneficial collaboration for the future. This project is targeted to yield 2 journal papers and conference output. Based on this work we are also seeking to follow up with a UKRI funding application. |
Collaborator Contribution | Academic input and support to the programme of work - also provision of a PhD student to complete the programme of work. |
Impact | Dr Black was invited to become a Visiting Professor with Western University. One publication to the Canadian Geotechnical Conference in Sept 2021 has been accepted for publication. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Offshore Foundations - International Research Consortium |
Organisation | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) |
Country | Netherlands |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research are collaborating on offshore monopile foundations within an international consortium outlined below. Recent exchanges have led to the development of a joint research venture to undertake experimental tests that will generate data to validate design models currently being developed to support more efficient foundation systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each partner is providing data in conjunction with the lead organisation NGI who are undertaking numerical model studies to complement the physical experiments with a view of verifying centrifuge modelling as an appropriate method to support the design of offshore wind turbines |
Impact | Joint research paper presented at the International Conference for Physical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering ICPMG - London July 2018. A review of modelling effects in centrifuge monopile testing in sand. Joint research paper submitted to Geotechnique Themed Issue: Embedded foundations under complex loading in 2019. Centrifuge modelling considerations of lateral loaded monopiles in sand, Industry presentation on 5th December 2018 to the offshore community - SUT: Society for Underwater Technology and OSIG: Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics. Monopile Design Through Centrifuge Technology - Dr Black Presented at Orsted in conjunction with NGI. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Offshore Foundations - International Research Consortium |
Organisation | Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) |
Country | Korea, Republic of |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research are collaborating on offshore monopile foundations within an international consortium outlined below. Recent exchanges have led to the development of a joint research venture to undertake experimental tests that will generate data to validate design models currently being developed to support more efficient foundation systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each partner is providing data in conjunction with the lead organisation NGI who are undertaking numerical model studies to complement the physical experiments with a view of verifying centrifuge modelling as an appropriate method to support the design of offshore wind turbines |
Impact | Joint research paper presented at the International Conference for Physical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering ICPMG - London July 2018. A review of modelling effects in centrifuge monopile testing in sand. Joint research paper submitted to Geotechnique Themed Issue: Embedded foundations under complex loading in 2019. Centrifuge modelling considerations of lateral loaded monopiles in sand, Industry presentation on 5th December 2018 to the offshore community - SUT: Society for Underwater Technology and OSIG: Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics. Monopile Design Through Centrifuge Technology - Dr Black Presented at Orsted in conjunction with NGI. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Offshore Foundations - International Research Consortium |
Organisation | Norwegian Geotechnical Institute |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | The Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research are collaborating on offshore monopile foundations within an international consortium outlined below. Recent exchanges have led to the development of a joint research venture to undertake experimental tests that will generate data to validate design models currently being developed to support more efficient foundation systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each partner is providing data in conjunction with the lead organisation NGI who are undertaking numerical model studies to complement the physical experiments with a view of verifying centrifuge modelling as an appropriate method to support the design of offshore wind turbines |
Impact | Joint research paper presented at the International Conference for Physical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering ICPMG - London July 2018. A review of modelling effects in centrifuge monopile testing in sand. Joint research paper submitted to Geotechnique Themed Issue: Embedded foundations under complex loading in 2019. Centrifuge modelling considerations of lateral loaded monopiles in sand, Industry presentation on 5th December 2018 to the offshore community - SUT: Society for Underwater Technology and OSIG: Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics. Monopile Design Through Centrifuge Technology - Dr Black Presented at Orsted in conjunction with NGI. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Offshore Foundations - International Research Consortium |
Organisation | Technical University of Denmark |
Country | Denmark |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research are collaborating on offshore monopile foundations within an international consortium outlined below. Recent exchanges have led to the development of a joint research venture to undertake experimental tests that will generate data to validate design models currently being developed to support more efficient foundation systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each partner is providing data in conjunction with the lead organisation NGI who are undertaking numerical model studies to complement the physical experiments with a view of verifying centrifuge modelling as an appropriate method to support the design of offshore wind turbines |
Impact | Joint research paper presented at the International Conference for Physical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering ICPMG - London July 2018. A review of modelling effects in centrifuge monopile testing in sand. Joint research paper submitted to Geotechnique Themed Issue: Embedded foundations under complex loading in 2019. Centrifuge modelling considerations of lateral loaded monopiles in sand, Industry presentation on 5th December 2018 to the offshore community - SUT: Society for Underwater Technology and OSIG: Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics. Monopile Design Through Centrifuge Technology - Dr Black Presented at Orsted in conjunction with NGI. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Offshore Foundations - International Research Consortium |
Organisation | The French Institute of Science and Technology for Transport, Development and Networks |
Country | France |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research are collaborating on offshore monopile foundations within an international consortium outlined below. Recent exchanges have led to the development of a joint research venture to undertake experimental tests that will generate data to validate design models currently being developed to support more efficient foundation systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each partner is providing data in conjunction with the lead organisation NGI who are undertaking numerical model studies to complement the physical experiments with a view of verifying centrifuge modelling as an appropriate method to support the design of offshore wind turbines |
Impact | Joint research paper presented at the International Conference for Physical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering ICPMG - London July 2018. A review of modelling effects in centrifuge monopile testing in sand. Joint research paper submitted to Geotechnique Themed Issue: Embedded foundations under complex loading in 2019. Centrifuge modelling considerations of lateral loaded monopiles in sand, Industry presentation on 5th December 2018 to the offshore community - SUT: Society for Underwater Technology and OSIG: Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics. Monopile Design Through Centrifuge Technology - Dr Black Presented at Orsted in conjunction with NGI. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Offshore Foundations - International Research Consortium |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Department | Department of Engineering |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research are collaborating on offshore monopile foundations within an international consortium outlined below. Recent exchanges have led to the development of a joint research venture to undertake experimental tests that will generate data to validate design models currently being developed to support more efficient foundation systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each partner is providing data in conjunction with the lead organisation NGI who are undertaking numerical model studies to complement the physical experiments with a view of verifying centrifuge modelling as an appropriate method to support the design of offshore wind turbines |
Impact | Joint research paper presented at the International Conference for Physical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering ICPMG - London July 2018. A review of modelling effects in centrifuge monopile testing in sand. Joint research paper submitted to Geotechnique Themed Issue: Embedded foundations under complex loading in 2019. Centrifuge modelling considerations of lateral loaded monopiles in sand, Industry presentation on 5th December 2018 to the offshore community - SUT: Society for Underwater Technology and OSIG: Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics. Monopile Design Through Centrifuge Technology - Dr Black Presented at Orsted in conjunction with NGI. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Offshore Foundations - International Research Consortium |
Organisation | University of Western Australia |
Department | Centre for the Built Environment and Health |
Country | Australia |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | The Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research are collaborating on offshore monopile foundations within an international consortium outlined below. Recent exchanges have led to the development of a joint research venture to undertake experimental tests that will generate data to validate design models currently being developed to support more efficient foundation systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | Each partner is providing data in conjunction with the lead organisation NGI who are undertaking numerical model studies to complement the physical experiments with a view of verifying centrifuge modelling as an appropriate method to support the design of offshore wind turbines |
Impact | Joint research paper presented at the International Conference for Physical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering ICPMG - London July 2018. A review of modelling effects in centrifuge monopile testing in sand. Joint research paper submitted to Geotechnique Themed Issue: Embedded foundations under complex loading in 2019. Centrifuge modelling considerations of lateral loaded monopiles in sand, Industry presentation on 5th December 2018 to the offshore community - SUT: Society for Underwater Technology and OSIG: Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics. Monopile Design Through Centrifuge Technology - Dr Black Presented at Orsted in conjunction with NGI. |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Offshore Foundations - Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) |
Organisation | Norwegian Geotechnical Institute |
Country | Norway |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | NGI and the Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research are collaborating on offshore monopile foundations. Recent exchange trips have lead to the development of a joint research programme. We are providing experimental data to validate design models currently being developed to support more efficient foundation systems. |
Collaborator Contribution | NGI and the Centre for Energy & Infrastructure Ground Research are collaborating on offshore monopile foundations. Recent exchange trips have lead to the development of a joint research programme. NGI and undertaking numerical model studies to complement the physical experiments. |
Impact | Joint research paper presented at the International Conference for Physical Modelling in Geotechnical Engineering ICPMG - London July 2018. A review of modelling effects in centrifuge monopile testing in sand. Joint research paper submitted to Geotechnique Themed Issue: Embedded foundations under complex loading in 2019. Centrifuge modelling considerations of lateral loaded monopiles in sand, Industry presentation on 5th December 2018 to the offshore community - SUT: Society for Underwater Technology and OSIG: Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics. Monopile Design Through Centrifuge Technology - Dr Black Presented at Orsted in conjunction with NGI. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Optimum Slope Stability |
Organisation | Newcastle University |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have established a joint programme, we are leading the experimental work in the collaboration at no cost to the project in order to establish a beneficial collaboration for the future. This project is targeted to yield 2 journal papers and conference output. Based on this work we are also seeking to follow up with a UKRI funding application. |
Collaborator Contribution | Academic input and support to the programme of work - also provision of a PhD student to complete the programme of work. |
Impact | New experimental methods have been developed at this stage that will result in a journal output. |
Start Year | 2018 |
Description | industry - Arup Group |
Organisation | Arup Group |
Department | Advanced Technology and Research |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Industry support to centre and identifying research challenges. |
Collaborator Contribution | Industry support to centre and identifying research challenges. |
Impact | None to date. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | industry - Network Rail Ltd |
Organisation | Network Rail Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Industry support to centre and identifying research challenges. |
Collaborator Contribution | Industry support to centre and identifying research challenges. |
Impact | Grant application under development and invited to bid for projects. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Title | Soil Imaging systems |
Description | With setting up the centre several new experimental facilities have been developed - for example a bespoke soil imaging system for the centrifuge environment. This system was developed in conjunction with the centrifuge manufacturer and has seen be sold into 4 other international research centres for their experimental work. |
Type Of Technology | New/Improved Technique/Technology |
Year Produced | 2014 |
Impact | This system has seen be sold into 4 other international research centres and enabled a wide range of scientific investigations. |
Description | A talk or presentation - Student Visits & Widening Participation (five events in 2017) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Visit the the centrifuge centre for schools during engineering visit days to inform them about engineering, research activities and opportunities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Conference - GeoChicago |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presentation of Monopile research. New links formed with NGI. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Conference Presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation (x2) at the European Conf. on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering in Iceland. One presentation has recently resulted in a new collaboration opportunity and invitation to speak at an international workshop on flooding. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Eurofuge - 2016 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | Presentation of research on monopile behaviour - monotonic loading. Increased awareness of research activity in Sheffield. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Learning and Teaching |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Students more aware of modelling capabilities in geotechnical engineering and research challenges. From this group of 20 students, 2 have returned for PhD research studies. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | Monopile - Society for Underwater Technology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Industry presentation on 5th December 2018 to the offshore community - SUT: Society for Underwater Technology and OSIG: Offshore Site Investigation & Geotechnics. Monopile Design Through Centrifuge Technology - Dr Black Presented at Orsted in conjunction with NGI. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://sites.google.com/view/issmgetc104/round-robin/monopile-benchmark-test/geoforum-monopile-dec-... |
Description | Open Days |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Potential students and parents were shown and demonstrated the test facility. Generated considerable interest in the physics of the experimental system and the research that would be conducted and its impact to society. Students and parents more aware of societal issues and the role of civil engineering to provide a better environment. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2014 |
Description | Presentation - Buffalo University |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation to academics and UG Students on Physical modelling in Education - specifically centrifuge testing. Followup discussions with staff have resulted in supporting them with a research application to establish similar educational practice and centrifuge facility in Buffalo. Grant submitted and awaiting outcome. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Presentation and workshop - Royal Military College, Kingston |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Presentation to academics and UG Students on Physical modelling in Education - specifically centrifuge testing. Followup with lab workshop and demonstrations of theory connecting with physical model tests. Research collaboration commenced. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | Seminar - Hong Kong: HKUST |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | Research seminar @ HKUST in November 2018 about centrifuge modelling at Sheffield. Lead to further discussions about international collaboration. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
Description | Student Visits & Widening Participation (five events annually) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Potential students and parents were shown and demonstrated the test facility. Generated considerable interest in the physics of the experimental system and the research that would be conducted and its impact to society. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016,2017,2018,2019,2020 |
Description | Visit - International students (Yamaguchi) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Visit to the centrifuge centre by international students from Yamaguchi, Japan to learn about the research and impact we are having on offshore engineering. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
Description | Visit - International students (Yamaguchi) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
Results and Impact | Visit to the centrifuge centre by international students from Yamaguchi, Japan to learn about the research and impact we are having on offshore engineering. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |