Southampton researchers present research outcomes at International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics in Zurich

ICPMG 2026 provided an international platform for Southampton researchers to share advances in physical modelling, offshore anchors and geotechnical education.

Amin Rashidi Mehrabadi, a PhD researcher at the University of Southampton, attended the 11th International Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ICPMG 2026) in Zurich from 8-12 June 2026. The conference brought together researchers and practitioners working across geotechnical physical modelling, offshore engineering and experimental methods.

Amin presented his paper, “A laboratory system for single-point multidirectional loading and 3D motion reconstruction”, in Session I-G1: New facilities & equipment on Tuesday 9 June. The presentation introduced an experimental system developed to apply controlled multidirectional loading and reconstruct three-dimensional anchor movement during laboratory testing.

The wider aim of Amin’s research is to help understand the response of shared anchors for floating offshore wind under complex multidirectional loading from multiple mooring lines. Shared anchors are a promising concept for future floating offshore wind farms, but their design requires a clearer understanding of how anchor capacity and displacement response evolve when loads vary in direction and magnitude. The developed laboratory system supports this aim by enabling repeatable loading paths and reliable 3D motion measurements for physical modelling studies.

The Southampton contribution to ICPMG 2026 also included presentations by Jorge Mendoza-Ulloa on instrumented plate anchors and modular centrifuge experiments for undergraduate teaching, and by David White on physical models for teaching progressive pile failure. Amin also attended wider offshore geotechnical sessions, including a presentation by Carlos Español-Espinel, now a research fellow at the University of Southampton, on dynamic centrifuge testing of offshore wind turbine foundation systems based on research undertaken during his PhD at the University of Cambridge. The conference also provided opportunities to meet researchers and industry practitioners from different universities and companies, and to exchange ideas on current and future research topics in offshore geotechnics and physical modelling.

A further highlight was David White’s presentation to conference attendees announcing that the University of Southampton will host the European Conference on Physical Modelling in Geotechnics (ECPMG) in Southampton in 2028. As Europe’s regional physical modelling conference, ECPMG alternates with ICPMG and provides an important forum for sharing advances in centrifuge modelling, laboratory-scale modelling, field testing and experimental geotechnics.

The conference setting at ETH Zurich also provided a memorable backdrop for discussion and exchange within the physical modelling community.

Reflecting on the conference, Amin said: “ICPMG 2026 was a valuable opportunity to present our experimental system, receive feedback from the physical modelling community, and discuss how laboratory testing can support future offshore anchor design.”