ABSTRACT
As a result, centrifuge modellers have typically used alternative materials to model reinforced concrete piles, including polymeric materials (e.g. Abdoun et al. 2003) or aluminium (e.g. Hayward et al. 2000). While the sectional dimensions may be selected to correctly scale the outer dimensions and the bending stiffness (EI) of the pile, the ultimate capacity of these sections is very different to the
1 INTRODUCTION
In order to produce accurate simulations of soilstructure interaction in the centrifuge, it is important to be able to appropriately model structural elements. It is becoming increasingly desirable to simultaneously model stiffness and strength in centrifuge models. Examples of situations in which this is important include the behaviour of pile-reinforced embankments and the seismic response of piled foundations. Both examples represent cases in which the bending behaviour of the piles is important. In the former, the relative soilpile stiffness is clearly important in determining the initial magnitude of embankment movement; however, the relative soil-pile strength is also important to determine whether the soil will yield before the pile fails or vice-versa. In the second example, co-seismic damage to the piles from kinematic bending loads would be expected to substantially alter the subsequent dynamic response of the foundation, and therefore, ultimately, the supported structure.
