Abstract: Dynamic centrifuge modeling test is internationally acknowledged as the most advanced and the most effective physical simulation approach in the field of soil dynamics and geotechnical earthquake engineering. Currently, large-scale centrifugal shaker is respectively installed in the USA and Japan, yet none has been established in China, which doesn't fit China's seismic risks, rapid construction and complicated geotechnical conditions. In view of this, a large-scale  centrifugal shaker(CSIEM-40-300) is planned to be built in Institute of Engineering Mechanics of  China Earthquake Administration. The authors present the structural features of the two centrifugal shakers in the USA and Japan, and introduces the design and functions of CSIEM-40-300 vibrating centrifuge, involving wide frequency range, large displacement, large shaking capacity of 40 gt, and large shaking load of 1 300 kg. Moreover, it's shown that actuator, power source, guiding and supporting devices, and control system are critical techniques and difficulties in designing the shaker, which is the core of developing a large centrifugal shaker.

Key words: large centrifugal shaker, CSIEM-40-300, critical techniques, vertical-horizontal biaxial shaker