Journal Published Online: 27 January 2016
Volume 39, Issue 2

In Situ Measurement of the Dynamic Penetration of Free-Fall Projectiles in Soft Soils Using a Low-Cost Inertial Measurement Unit

CODEN: GTJODJ

Abstract

Six degree-of-freedom motion data from projectiles free-falling through water and embedding in soft soil are measured using a low-cost inertial measurement unit, consisting of a tri-axis accelerometer and a three-component gyroscope. A comprehensive framework for interpreting the measured data is described and the merit of this framework is demonstrated by considering sample test data for free-falling projectiles that gain velocity as they fall through water and self-embed in the underlying soft clay. The paper shows the importance of considering such motion data from an appropriate reference frame by showing good agreement in embedment depth data derived from the motion data with independent direct measurements. Motion data derived from the inertial measurement unit are used to calibrate a predictive model for calculating the final embedment depth of a dynamically installed anchor.

Author Information

Blake, Anthony
Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, The Univ. of Western Australia, Perth, AU
O'Loughlin, Conleth
Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, The Univ. of Western Australia, Perth, AU
Morton, John
Centre Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, The Univ. of Western Australia, Perth, AU
O'Beirne, Colm
Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, The Univ. of Western Australia, Perth, AU
Gaudin, Christophe
Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, The Univ. of Western Australia, Perth, AU
White, David
Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, The Univ. of Western Australia, Perth, AU
Pages: 17
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: GTJ20140135
ISSN: 0149-6115
DOI: 10.1520/GTJ20140135