Research

We are working on cutting-edge research at the intersection of geomechanics, geosystems engineering, and geotechnical engineering to address problems impacting infrastructure, earth systems, energy transition, and sustainability.

Our research is focused on:

1. Mechanics of Geomaterials and Coupled Processes:

Multiscale deformation and fracture behavior of porous geomaterials (rocks and soils).
Biogeomechanics and characterization of bio-mediated rocks/soils.
Thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical (THCM) coupled processes in rocks and soils.

2. Resiliency of Natural and Built Infrastructure:

Rock grouting.
Geohazard risk mitigation.
Slope stability.
Coastal geotechnics.
Soil thermal conductivity.

3. Sustainable Geo-Energy Systems and Energy Geotechnics:

Climate change impact on geo-systems.
Geologic hydrogen.
Geologic storage of CO2 and hydrogen.
Geothermal energy systems.
Buried infrastructure for energy systems

Experimental & Computational Geomechanics:
Mechanics of Geomaterials

We are passionate about the use of experimental and computational/numerical methods to better predict and understand how porous materials deform or fail. We are also interested in the multiscale mechanical behavior of geomaterials, by investigating their fracture mechanics in complex underground systems, and how the results could be upscaled to field-scale applications.

Rock Grouting & Infrastructure Resilience Improvement

An important infrastructural our research group is addressing is rock grouting with natural and expansive cementitious materials as a barrier/seal in underground repositories, grout in tunnel roof supporting, and improving near-wellbore integrity against leakages. We are also interested in its applications as slope reinforcement.

Biogeomechanics and Bio-Mediated Processes

Here we study “biogeomechanics”, an intersection between biotechnology and rock mechanics, and bio-inspired geotechnics which has yielded new insights into the mechanical responses of geomaterials (rocks and soils) due to bio-mediated processes.

Our research couples experimental methods and numerical modeling to investigate the multiscale chemo-hydro-mechanical behavior of rocks and soils due to interactions with biological processes, and their various engineering applications.

Geologic Storage of CO2 and Hydrogen

Geologic CO2 and hydrogen sequestration are efficient carbon-reduction technologies that combat greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate their impact on climate change by storing CO2 and H2 in geologic formations. Geomechanics is critical to the success of storing these gases in geologic formations. Some of the problems our research is tackling are the characterization of storage reservoirs, changes in in-situ pressure and temperature due to gas injection, and the integrity of overlying caprock.

Also, we are developing novel numerical models and CO2-utilization technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Geotechnical-related Hazard Prediction and Mitigation

We aim to improve the knowledge of how surface and subsurface geo-infrastructure may be susceptible to failure, in addition to issues related to rockfall hazards, slope stability, underground excavation, wellbore instability, wellbore sand production, stability of underground openings in rocks, etc. We are interested in addressing all surface and near-surface failures related to civil infrastructure.

Surface and subsurface mechanical and integrity-compromising features can lead to induced slope failure and rockfall hazards, detrimental fluid flow into the borehole/wellbore, leakage of stored fluids in subsurface systems, cand other geo-hazards. We also investigate the risks associated with mechanical integrity in geological and environmental systems to improve sustainability.

Sustainable Geo-Energy Resources and Energy Geotechnics

The world is presently in need of diverse and sustainable energy sources and solutions that can help mitigate climate change and protect the environment and the earth. Energy from hydrogen and geothermal systems are viable low-carbon energy solutions that have emerged in recent years.

Here, we are investigating the coupled thermo-hydro-chemo-mechanical processes in subsurface rocks and their complex behavior due to underground hydrogen production and storage. We are also exploring the intersection between geomechanics and geothermal energy systems.