A bender element system for measuring shear wave velocities in centrifuge models

S. J. Brandenberg*, S. Choi, B. L. Kutter, D. W. Wilson, J. C. Santamarina

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

30 Scopus citations

Abstract

A multi-source, multi-receiver bender element system was developed to measure shear wave velocities in centrifuge models. Up to eight source benders can be excited by a high-voltage power supply while up to sixteen receiver bender elements can be used to detect the transmitted signal. Analog band-pass filters are used to remove unwanted signals prior to amplification. Phase distortion caused by the analog filters is corrected by a digital transfer function that reverses the filter effects. Ambient vibrations during spinning of the centrifuge are further reduced by digital filtering and signal stacking. The resulting signals are of high enough quality for accurate determination of travel time. A stacking algorithm to improve the signal to noise ratio is described.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationPhysical Modelling in Geotechnics, 6th ICPMG'06 - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics
Pages165-170
Number of pages6
StatePublished - 2006
Externally publishedYes
Event6th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics, ICPMG'06 - Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Duration: Aug 4 2006Aug 6 2006

Publication series

NamePhysical Modelling in Geotechnics, 6th ICPMG'06 - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics
Volume1-2

Other

Other6th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics, ICPMG'06
Country/TerritoryHong Kong
CityHong Kong
Period08/4/0608/6/06

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A bender element system for measuring shear wave velocities in centrifuge models'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this