Virtual geotechnical laboratory experiments using a simulator

The details of a test simulator that provides a realistic environment for p erforming virtual laboratory experimentals in soil mechanics is presented. A computer program 'Geo-Sim' that can be used to perform virtual experiment s, and allow for real-time observations of material response is presented. The results of experiments, for a given set of input parameters, are obtain ed with the test simulator using well-trained artificial neural-network-bas ed soil models for different soil types and stress paths. Multimedia capabi lities are integrated in Gee-Sim, using software that links and controls a laser disc player with a real-time parallel processing ability. During the simulation of a virtual experiment, relevant portions of the video image of a previously recorded test on an actual soil specimen are dispalyed along with the graphical presentation of response from the feedforward ANN model predictions. The pilot simulator developed to date includes all aspects rel ated to performing a triaxial test on cohesionless soil under undrained and drained conditions. The benefits of the test simulator are also presented. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.