A data center or data bank for the validation of dynamic and static constitutive relations for soils will be established at Case Western Reserve University. It's content will be made available to those involved in the development and use of behavioral models entering the design of critical structures under a variety of environments. Structures in a severe environment require a level of sophisticated calculation that utilizes the proper constitutive equations. For example, dams, nuclear power plants, offshore and onshore platforms will have to satisfy earthquake resistance codes, and are designed using finite elements programs based on those equations. Researchers in America and other countries have already offered to add their data to this base. Ongoing and future research will also add to the data base. It is expected that the center will become self-supporting in three years, after which it could continue on its own or be incorporated as part of one of the designated test sites for geotechnical experimentation.
