抄録
The present paper describes tests performed with models inside centrifuge apparatus as a special tool for analysis and design of foundation elements applied in offshore structures. By using wireless smart sensors technology in physical model test inside centrifuges, significant improvements in the parameters determination will be possible for first time in Brazil. The centrifuge modeling has been used to address geotechnical problems in offshore engineering area, in order to avoid misinterpreting results commonly observed in reduced model tests. Herein it is also presented a modeling example of a special type of anchor known as"turtle anchor", developed by CENPES-PETROBRAS, which has already been used in real cases. A comprehensive series of tests in conventional scale has been performed on turtle anchors; however, the results did not bring numerical information about contact stress between soil and anchor, due to difficulties in evaluating the bearing capacity and deformation.
