The facility fills key gaps in the understanding which cannot be resolved using conventional, smaller scale, laboratory tests or prototype observations. Those using the SoFSI laboratory can conduct experiments on large to full-scale examples of bridge piers and abutments, building foundations, retaining walls, embankments, and similar problems where earth interacts with structures, allowing a wide range of static, vibration and earthquake-like loads to be applied. The facility enables important industry problems to be answered that cannot be resolved by conventional, smaller sized experiments.
The way structures interact with their foundations and the surrounding soil are inadequately understood, resulting in conservatisms in design, construction and operation, that drive up costs and inhibit innovation. Using the evidence base generated by the SoFSI laboratory will enable de-risking of investments in innovation and development, for example in life-extension techniques for existing infrastructure or the application of new materials and devices.
| Who can use the facility | Functions/facilities available |
|---|---|
|
Industry research and consultancy |
All equipment |
| Academic researchers | All equipment |
| Fellowships and PhD Studentships | All equipment |
Facility Highlights
Find out more
Contact Professor Anastasios Sextos,
a.sextos@bristol.ac.uk
Watch the National Soil-Foundation Structure Interaction Laboratory presentation or download the slides as a PDF.