Development of a teaching centrifuge learning environment using mechanically stabilized earth walls

This paper discusses the development and implementation of an educational module, which incorporates a state-of-the-art teaching centrifuge into open-house demonstrations and the undergraduate educational pedagogy. The students’ activities within the developed module are centred on building a model consisting of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) retaining wall. The students are exposed to basic educational theory to calculate the capacity of an MSE wall system which is verified through a design and build experimental modelling programme. Results obtained are compared with theoretical predictions and numerical limit equilibrium solutions for a variety of design inputs. These include different numbers of reinforcement layers, thicknesses and widths of reinforcement, and the length of reinforcement versus the surface surcharge position to consolidate their understanding of MSE design variables.