Research

The Geomechanics for Geo-Engineering and Sustainability (GGES) Lab develops new knowledge and technologies at the intersection of mechanics, porous media, sustainability, and engineered systems to address critical engineering problems. Our research areas include experimental and computational geomechanics, biogeotechnics, ground improvement and surrounding rock control, sustainable energy systems, and infrastructure resilience to evolving climatic and urbanization events.

Research Thrusts:

Mechanics of Porous Media and Coupled Processes
Natural and Built Infrastructure
Sustainable Energy Systems and Infrastructure
Geohazard Resilience and Data-Driven Geosystems

Geomechanics Across Scales

We integrate experimental investigations with computational modeling to understand and predict the mechanisms (why, when, and how) governing deformation and failure in porous materials under varying stress, temperature, and environmental conditions across multiple spatial and temporal scales. Additionally, we explore how these insights can be upscaled to inform practical applications with meaningful societal impact.

Mechanics-Informed Bio-Mediated Ground Improvement

Our work lies at the intersection of mechanics, biotechnology, and induced processes in porous media, where we investigate the coupled processes that govern the mechanical behavior of bio-mediated geomaterials (rocks and soils) under complex in-situ conditions across scales. These methods involve microbes, enzymes, biopolymers, fungi, and bio-inspired solutions. Through this interdisciplinary approach, we aim to uncover new insights and ultimately engineer smart, responsive geomaterials.

Coupled Data-Driven and Sensor-based Geotechnical Mapping

Our objective is to develop transformative technologies grounded in data-driven analytics and sensor-enabled geotechnical mapping to address critical societal needs for the built environment.

Urban and System-Level Infrastructure and Hazards

Our goal here is to enhance understanding of how system-level civil infrastructure may be vulnerable to failure due to evolving urbanization and societal demands. We address challenges such as urban heat island effects, rockfall hazards, slope instability, underground excavations, and the integrity of subsurface openings.

Sustainable Energy Systems and Infrastructure

Meeting the growing global demand for sustainable energy and critical minerals is a pressing challenge. Our research advances innovative, sustainable energy systems and infrastructure, including stimulated geologic hydrogen, geologic CO₂ and hydrogen storage, critical minerals, thermal resistivity of energy systems, and buried energy infrastructure, to improve understanding and support sustainable energy futures.

Nature-Based Solutions for Infrastructure Resilience

One of the key infrastructure challenges our research group addresses is nature-based grouting using natural and expansive materials to improve the resilience of underground infrastructure. We explore if, why, and what controls their potential as barriers and seals in underground repositories, as grouting agents for tunnel roof support, and for enhancing near-wellbore integrity to prevent leakage. We are also investigating their potential for slope stabilization and reinforcement.