Centrifuge modelling of circular shallow foundations on sand

Drum centrifuge tests on circular footings resting on medium dense silica sand subjected to combined vertical, moment and horizontal loading are reported and compared with existing data from similar studies carried out at 1g. Vertical loading tests and displacement-controlled horizontal and rotational swipe tests were carried out; the results are reported in terms of load–displacement relationships and yield surfaces in (V, M/D, H) load space. The centrifuge test results from this study are well described using the existing theoretical framework of strain-hardening plasticity applied to surface footings on sand, developed on the basis of experimental data from 1g tests. Attention is given to the embedment effect, which can be especially pointed out by centrifuge testing.