Novel surface speckle preparation method for imaging techniques for clay models

Journal article, 2014

A novel method for the application of contrasting speckle material on a clay sample was developed. In comparison to traditional methods, the new method minimises the sample disturbance resulting from sample handling and the removal of any transparent windows of the strongbox after the consolidation stage. This method applies the contrast material on the transparent window before it is released to the surface of the slurry, thus facilitating tracking of material displacements during the consolidation stage and subsequent loading stages. The method was successfully demonstrated for a centrifuge model test and a 1g model test, each with complex material deformations and rotations.