Research

We are working on cutting-edge research focused on experimental and computational studies to fundamentally understand and predict the multiscale mechanical behavior and physical characteristics of rocks (and granular materials) to address problems related to natural and built infrastructure, energy systems, sustainability, and geohazard mitigation.

1. Mechanics of Geomaterials and Coupled Processes:

Multiscale deformation and fracture behavior of earth materials (rocks and soils).
Biogeomechanics and physics of bio-mediated rocks and granular media.
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.
Urban heat island.

3. Sustainable Geo-Energy Systems and Energy Geotechnics:

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

Rock Mechanics:
Multiscale Mechanics of Rocks

We couple experimental and computational/ numerical methods to better predict and understand how earth materials deform or fail in response to stress, temperature, and other external factors across time and scales. 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 for field applications.

Rock Grouting & Geo-Infrastructure Improvement

An important infrastructural problem our research group addresses is rock fracture grouting using 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 geomechanics, and bio-mediated reactions and processes to provide new insights into the mechanical responses of geomaterials (rocks and soils) due to such complex processes under in-situ conditions.

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 Hydrogen & Other Sustainable Geo-Engergy Systems

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. We are currently working on tackling fundamental research questions on geologic hydrogen for natural/clean hydrogen generation from geological formations.

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

Urban Heat Island and Other Surface Infrastructure System Hazards

We aim to improve the knowledge of how surface (above-ground) and near-surface infrastructure may be susceptible to failure, in addition to issues related to urban heat island, rockfall hazards, slope instability, underground excavation, wellbore instability, wellbore sand production, and instability of underground openings in rocks, etc. We are interested in addressing hazard mitigation of natural and built infrastructure in surface and near-surface systems from the geological engineering perspective.

We also investigate the risks associated with mechanical integrity in geological and environmental systems to improve sustainability.

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.