Research topics
The Rockmech Research Group combines experimental investigation, advanced numerical modelling and field monitoring to study rocks, slopes and underground infrastructure, while developing innovative solutions for safety, resilience and sustainable energy.
Explore our five principal research areas. Select a topic to open its dedicated page, where you will find the complete description, individual research lines and the researchers involved.
Geomechanical characterisation
Laboratory and in situ characterisation of intact rocks, rock masses and discontinuities, supporting geological, hydrogeological, geotechnical and seismic assessment.
Explore this research area → RESEARCH AREA 02Slope stability and monitoring
Advanced monitoring and numerical modelling of large rock landslides, debris flows, rockfalls and snow avalanches, including early-warning applications.
Explore this research area → RESEARCH AREA 03Pipe jacking and microtunnelling
Pipe–ground interaction, jacking loads and excavation performance in swelling clays, fractured rock masses and heterogeneous urban deposits.
Explore this research area → RESEARCH AREA 04Tunnelling
Design and behaviour of underground excavations in swelling, squeezing and overstressed rock masses, together with shallow urban tunnelling.
Explore this research area → RESEARCH AREA 05Energy tunnels and geothermal applications
Energy geostructures that combine structural functions with geothermal exchange, including energy tunnels, energy walls and urban-scale thermal-resource optimisation.
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