Experimental Institute for Geotechnical Modelling, Seriate, Italy
Experimental geotechnics, from specimen to seismic centrifuge.
We characterise soils and rocks in the laboratory and in situ, and we reproduce the behaviour of structures on scale models, earthquakes included. Since 2000 we have carried forward the experience of the ISMES geotechnical division.
Ministerial authorisation, Decree no. 55126 of 12 July 2006, for laboratory testing of soils and rocks and for in-situ geotechnical testing, classes A, B and C.
Tests and models to understand the ground
One team follows the project from the sample taken on site to the physical model of the structure, so the data stay consistent from the first step to the last.
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Geotechnical laboratory
Complete physical and mechanical characterisation of soils and rocks, with static, cyclic and dynamic tests under controlled, repeatable conditions.
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In-situ testing
Boreholes with undisturbed sampling plus penetration, pressuremeter and seismic tests to build the real geotechnical model of the site.
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Physical modelling
Instrumented models of existing or planned structures, from the calibration chamber to real-scale tests, taken to failure and beyond.
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Seismic geotechnical centrifuge
The only operating geotechnical centrifuge in Italy, fitted with an earthquake simulator since 2010: it reproduces in-situ stress on the model.
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Experimental research
National and European projects with universities and research centres, from seismic liquefaction to the qualification of new technologies.
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The only seismic geotechnical centrifuge in Italy
As it spins, the centrifuge multiplies the gravity acting on the model. A one-metre-high model spun at 50 g develops the same stresses as a 50-metre-deep deposit, so we can watch how ground and structure behave, all the way to collapse, before the structure exists.
- In operation since
- 1988
- Earthquake simulator
- since 2010
- In Europe
- one of four dynamic centrifuges
Some of our models
- Leaning Tower of Pisa
- MOSE, Venice
- Murazzi sea walls, Venice
- Montedomini tunnel, A14 motorway
- Nenskra dam, Georgia
Structures we have put to the test
We work in Italy and abroad for engineering firms, contractors, public authorities and energy companies.
Infrastructure
- Strait of Messina Bridge
- Rome Metro Line C
- Metro lines in Thessaloniki, Warsaw and Riyadh
- High-speed railways: Milan Turin, Milan Naples, Bari Lecce, Venice Trieste, Algeria
Energy
- Enel Green Power wind farms in southern Italy and the islands
- Power plants in Italy and Honduras
- Embankment dams in Algeria, Poland, Georgia, Tajikistan and Italy
- Gas pipelines in Kazakhstan
Offshore
- Oil and gas fields in the North Sea, Mozambique, Myanmar and Egypt
- Seismic stability of offshore slopes in Latin America
- Artificial islands for oil production in Abu Dhabi, Persian Gulf
Cultural heritage and natural hazards
- Safeguarding the Leaning Tower of Pisa, with physical models
- MOSE project in Venice, physical models of the foundations
- Murazzi sea walls in Venice, erosion protection
- Seismic microzonation of towns in Tuscany and of L’Aquila
From ISMES to ISMGEO
- 1988
The ISMES geotechnical centrifuge, the first in Italy, comes into operation.
- 2000
Researchers and technicians of the ISMES geotechnical division found ISMGEO and take over laboratories, machines and procedures.
- 2006
Ministerial authorisation no. 55126 for soil, rock and in-situ testing, classes A, B and C.
- 2010
The centrifuge is fitted with an earthquake simulator and becomes a seismic centrifuge.
- Today
About 3000 m² of laboratories serving major projects, public authorities and international research.
Some of our clients
Over more than twenty years we have built lasting relationships with many industrial and public organisations.
- ACAM Ambiente
- ANAS
- Astaldi
- CESI
- Corrival
- D’Appolonia
- Enel
- Enel Green Power
- Eni
- Eurolink
- Fabiani Costruzioni
- Grandi Lavori Fincosit
- Horizon Geosciences
- Italferr
- Maccaferri
- Maire Tecnimont
- Metro C
- MOSE Venezia
- Provincia di Ferrara
- Provincia di Forlì-Cesena
- PTTEP
- Regione Emilia-Romagna
- Regione Toscana
- RINA
- Saipem
- Salini Impregilo
- SEL
- Snamprogetti
- Sorgenia
- SPEA Engineering
- Statoil
- Todini Costruzioni Generali
- Total
- Trevi
- URS Italia
- Vinci Construction
Frequently asked questions
What is a seismic geotechnical centrifuge?
It is a machine that spins a reduced-scale soil model to increase the gravity acting on it, reproducing the real stress state of the site. With the earthquake simulator installed in 2010, the ISMGEO centrifuge can also shake the model, to study liquefaction, local amplification and soil structure interaction.
Which laboratory tests do you run on soils and rocks?
Classification, oedometer, static and cyclic triaxial, direct and ring shear, cyclic simple shear, resonant column, permeability, Proctor and CBR tests. On rocks we run uniaxial compression, Hoek cell triaxial, Brazilian and joint shear tests. Advanced tests are also available, such as large-diameter and high temperature, high pressure triaxials.
Is the laboratory officially authorised?
Yes. ISMGEO works under Italian Ministerial authorisation, Decree no. 55126 of 12 July 2006, for laboratory testing of soils and rocks and in-situ geotechnical testing, classes A, B and C. Procedures follow ASTM, AGI and UNI standards and the ISRM suggested methods.
Do you work outside Italy?
Yes. We have tested and modelled projects in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America: metro lines in Thessaloniki, Warsaw and Riyadh, ports in Spain, Iraq and Brazil, dams in Algeria, Poland, Georgia and Tajikistan, oil and gas fields in the North Sea, Mozambique, Myanmar and Egypt.
How do I request a quote?
Fill in the form on the Contact page with the type of tests, material, approximate number of samples and timing. You can also email ismgeo@ismgeo.it or call +39 035 303120.
A structure to verify?
Tell us about the ground, the structure and your timing: we will propose the right testing programme.