Determining Strength of Calcareous Sediments in a Geotechnical Centrifuge

This paper presents results obtained from centrifuge testing of calcareous sediments in order to determine their monotonic and cyclic strength properties. The focus of the paper is on the description of a new testing device for use in the centrifuge facility at The University of Western Australia. Capable of applying torsional loads to various probes, at speeds ranging from 0.2 to 340 deg/s, the equipment has been used to examine the monotonic strength of calcareous sediments through vane shear testing. The results of such tests are compared to those obtained from alternative strength characterisation methods. In addition, a new testing device called the Torsional Plate Load Test is introduced as a means of investigating the monotonic and cyclic properties of the soil.