FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOIL DYNAMICS SCIENTIFIC SCHOOL AT THE DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING AND ECOLOGICAL GEOLOGY OF MSU

Abstract

The main stages of the formation and development of soil dynamics scientific school at the Department of Engineering and Ecological Geology in Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) are considered. These stages are discussed on the general background of the development of soil dynamics all over the world as a separate scientific direction. During early 60-s the research of thixotropic and floating properties of soils had started at the Department of Engineering Geology. The next (1980-1992) years are characterized by the appearance of new methods of dynamic testing and determination of the potential for liquefaction of soils. In MSU S.K. Nikolaeva, V.T. Trofimov, V. Ya. Kalachev, E.A. Voznesensky and V.G. Kovalenko at that time studied thixotropic properties of model and natural clay soils. In 1993–2005 development of soil dynamics at the Department are mainly connected with the researches of E.A. Voznesensky and his colleagues. In 2006–2018 these researches had significant influence by the general scientific “background” in this area during the period under review, as well as the involvement of our scientists in major and responsible projects. It is concluded that soil dynamic research at the Department of Engineering and Ecological Geology was initially related with the studies of thixotropy and floating properties of soils, and its development was generally following the world science and practice, but always determined by the theoretical and methodological principles of Russian soil engineering science. The Department has become a well-equipped scientific center for dynamic soil research, possessing not only modern equipment, but also qualified personnel. The Deportment has it’s our own scientific school of soil dynamics with its own methods of research and training.