The CEC is a self-contained patented tool which allows in-flight simulation of various atmospheric conditions during centrifuge testing. Variables that can be controlled include temperature (15 – 50°C), relative humidity (30 – 100%), solar radiation (±250 – 1550 W/m2), wind speed (0.2 – 5 m/s model) and rainfall (15 – 100 mm/hr prototype). The CEC has the unique capability of allowing independent control of the climate variables, and thus allowing for the simulation of more diverse atmospheric paths. The independent control means more fundamental studies on the influence of climate variables on geotechnical infrastructure are possible. In addition, being able to control the relative humidity allows more detailed studies on unsaturated soil behaviour. Future plans include redesigning the cooling system to simulate sub-zero temperatures for frost conditions.

The Environmental Hydrodynamic Loading System (ELHS) has the capability to model a wide range of offshore geotechnical problems, such as foundations for offshore wind farms, subsea pipelines etc. Two types of wave generators are included: 1) Piston Wave Generator for modelling shallow water coastal waves, and 2) Flap Wave Generator for modelling deep ocean waves. A frequency response exceeding 100 Hz can be simulated. This enables prototype waves having short and long periods. The maximum displacement of the plate is 10 cm. Different waveforms can be used as input (i.e. sine, cosine, square, triangular and linearly varying patterns) to generate various fluid wave types. To make the EHLS applicable to a wider range of offshore geotechnical issues, the depth of the soil layer can be varied up to maximum of 30 cm (model dimensions). Wave reflections are addressed by a passive-type wave absorbing system placed at the reflecting end of EHLS.

Anthony Gunawan (Indonesia)

Ph.D Topic: Serviceability and ultimate capacity of floating energy piles
MA Qijie (Mainland China)

Ph.D Topic: Experimental and Theoretical Investigation of Energy Plies and Energy Pile Groups
WEI Jiaqi, David (Mainland China)

M.Phil Topic: Effects of multiple basement excavations on adjacent pile
Sina Baghbanrezvan (Iran)

Ph.D Topic: Sediment-well interaction during gas production from methane hydrate bearing sediments

KATKAR Bharat (India)

Ph.D Topic: Tension loading on piles – application for offshore wind turbine foundations
XU Bingdi (Mainland China)

M.Phil Topic: Wave loading on pipelines
ZHANG Chao (Mainland China)

M.Phil Topic: Energy piles
Usman Majeed (Pakistan)

M.Phil Topic: Energy piles

LEUNG Chi On, Alex (Hong Kong)

M.Phil TopicTopic (part-time): Ground treatment for Hong Kong International Airport Third Runway System

Kin Yew Fong (Malaysia)

M.Phil Topic: Multiple tunnel interaction: circular versus horse-shoe shaped tunnels in clay

WANG Ran (Mainland China)

Ph.D Topic: Multi-tunnel (circular and horse-shoe shaped) interaction in sand: Centrifuge modeling and 3D numerical simulations
LEE Wing Woo, Maurice (Hong Kong)

Ph.D Topic (part-time): Piles subjected to lateral load in sand

Muhammad SHAKEEL (Pakistan)

Ph.D Topic: Centrifuge and numerical modeling of multi-propped deep excavation adjacent to pile group and piled raft foundation

ZHANG Junnan, Jonny (Mainland China)

R.A.: Soft soil foundation treatment