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Apparatus for centrifuge modelling of top down basement construction with heave reducing piles

Novel apparatus design allowed pioneering geotechnical centrifuge modelling of propped cantilever retaining walls with combined simulation of the excavation process and inclusion of loaded and unloaded piles positioned within the excavation formation. The experimental results provided a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of piles in the formation at reducing ground movements away from the excavation. Such a novel construction process has now been used in practice although the experimental work provides insight into the limitations that exist when such piles are also used to carry permanent vertical load from the new construction during top down basement construction.