Optimisation of frustum confining vessels using various boundary and interface conditions

Physical modelling of piles has been recognised as an effective tool to investigate the soil–pile interaction phenomenon. To conduct physical modelling tests on piles, different apparatuses such as calibration chambers, geotechnical centrifuges or frustum confining vessels (FCVs) could be employed. This study was designed to introduce the largest modified FCV ever built. To do this, the effects of boundary conditions, size of the apparatus and the bottom pressure on the FCV performance were examined using numerical and experimental approaches. The optimised dimensions of the FCV were determined using numerical simulations; then the modified FCV was built accordingly. The experimental stress distributions along the centreline of the apparatus showed a good agreement with the numerical results. Finally, the ability of the FCV testing method to predict the behaviour of axially loaded piles was examined by comparing static pile loading test measurements with numerical results. Given all results, it was concluded that the modified FCV built in this study could properly model the axially loaded piles' behaviour.