Africa's largest geotechnical centrifuge is housed at the University of Pretoria

[Daniel Puchert]

The University of Pretoria's unique device to help with geotechnical modelling

A nuanced understanding of soil behaviour under diverse conditions is crucial for creating safe and sustainable infrastructure in civil engineering.

Computer models can be used to simulate or model soil-structure interaction problems, but this is difficult and often inaccurate without a centrifuge.

 

[xcaliber]

Cool. Dont understand it. But cool

 

[AntennaMan]

Another UP ad.

 

[Jet-Fighter7700]

Another UP ad.

Wait till you see the fees.

 

[Skerminkel]

Tukkies are certainly rolling out the marketing stories, but still good to read. Important work they are doing.

 

[3WA]

Congrats on the giant dirt spinning machine!

 

[Creag]

Nice one Tukkies. Hopefully it makes a material difference in farming in SA.

 

[Skerminkel]

Nice one Tukkies. Hopefully it makes a material difference in farming in SA.

Not for agriculture. This is for civil/geotechnical engineering. Farmers study soil science.

 

[Gordon_R]

Cool. Dont understand it. But cool

I love this kind of stuff, and foundations are critical in construction, and earthworks:

Geotechnical engineering - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Several foundation-related engineering problems, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, prompted scientists to begin taking a more scientific-based approach to examining the subsurface.

Henri Gautier, a French royal engineer, recognized the "natural slope" of different soils in 1717, an idea later known as the soil's angle of repose.

Geotechnical engineers investigate and determine the properties of subsurface conditions and materials. They also design corresponding earthworks and retaining structures, tunnels, and structure foundations, and may supervise and evaluate sites, which may further involve site monitoring as well as the risk assessment and mitigation of natural hazards.

Youtuber Casey Jones has several videos about infrastucture, landslides, and pile driving:

Casey Jones - Professional Engineer

I cover exciting topics for bridges, buildings and other interesting civil engineering projects around the world. I also cover topics that interest me in the areas of geology and space exploration. I am a geotechnical engineer who has been in practice since 1987. I am a licensed professional...

youtube.com