In the field of geotechnical engineering, the centrifuge modeling technique has secured its place in the art of laboratory testing. This technique has been applied to a wide variety of topics such as slope stability, performance of footings and piles, seepage flow, and solute transport. For pavement, researchers have been seeking a laboratory simulation method that can aid in predicting the field performance and failure modes of prototype structures.
Field testing with actual structures is generally prohibitive due to cost and safety reasons.
In particular, full-scale field testing of highway facilities is usually quite expensive and time consuming. Centrifuge modeling has emerged as one promising technique for predicting the response of highway structures. These tests are much faster and far less expensive than measurements on actual structures. The centrifuge can also be used to study the flow of liquids through porous materials. Tests conducted thus far indicate that this procedure is a viable alternative to in-situ testing.