Center for Geotechnical Modeling

A Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On: Center for Geotechnical Modeling Facilitates Seismic Research

by Derrick Bang

Civil engineers and earthquake analysts wanting to minimize infrastructural damage, the next time a massive tremblor strikes, know where to conduct their research: UC Davis’ world-renowned Center for Geotechnical Modeling (CGM). The facility’s modest set of offices sits adjacent to the Center’s star attraction: a concrete bunker that houses the enormous, 9-meter-radius centrifuge, capable of spinning a five-ton payload at 90 rotations per minute, thereby generating 75Gs of centrifugal force.