ABSTRACT
A method of measuring shear wave velocity (Vs) of sandy soil in a centrifuge model using a ‘Mini Air Hammer’ is outlined. The propagation of shear waves through a model soil profile was measured in flight using an array of vertical accelerometers at different centrifugal accelerations in liquefiable soil. The values of Vs measured were used to estimate the small strain stiffness of the soil. This was compared with the existing relations relating stiffness to confining pressure and showed excellent agreement. The versatility of the air hammer is shown by using it in a centrifuge model to investigate the soil structure interaction effects for a heavy based structure.
