ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a review of the use of geotechnical centrifuges in the USSR. The designs of drives of modern centrifuges were also improved considerably. The modern drives provide now for smooth start and stop, without any adverse overloads which affect the test results unfavourably. As a rule the geotechnical centrifuges in the USSR are powered by DC electric motors connected to the AC network on the Leonard system. The control of centrifuges is effected in the USSR with the help of various control stations which comprise the control, the switching and the protective systems. With the help of geotechnical centrifuges a number of topical problems of engineering practice is studied in the USSR, and researchers in various fields of designing, construction and operation of diversified types of embankments are conducted. Geotechnical centrifuges have been employed in the USSR for simulation of various phenomena and processes over more than 50 years.
