Developing physical models for geotechnical teaching and research

[Abstract]: Large centrifuges are often used in research laboratories to study the self-weight stress induced failure of geotechnical structures. While most academics recognize the importance of geotechnical teaching by using the centrifuge technology to demonstrate the behaviour of geotechnical problems, the cost of servicing this teaching aid is prohibitive in many universities. In this paper, we present the concepts involved in designing inexpensive laboratory equipment which can be used to perform demonstrations and research experiments on the ultimate behaviour of various geotechnical structures under external loadings. Such equipment can be efficiently used to complement the theoretical approach and serve to visualize phenomena of geo-structural failures