Distributed testing of soil-structure systems using web-based applications

With advances in IT systems and the speed of communication over the internet, it is now possible to link laboratories that are geographically separated. Such a distributed testing network was developed as part of the UK-NEES project between Cambridge, Oxford and Bristol universities. The main aim of the UK-NEES project was to achieve distributed testing in the UK with the in-flight actuator at Cambridge being controlled by either numerical models or physical models located at Oxford and/or Bristol. A multi-span bridge was chosen as a simple example, where the foundations are tested on centrifuge at Cambridge while the bridge pier and deck systems were modelled either as numerical models or with simple hydraulic actuator driven structural elements at Oxford or Bristol. The response of the foundation in terms of vertical settlement to a vertical load demand from Oxford/Bristol was measured and communicated for every load step.