GeoRL Research
Our Mission
We aim to advance the science and practice of geotechnical engineering by developing data-driven and physics-based tools that integrate micro- to macroscale soil behavior, enabling resilient and efficient design of geo-structures and changing the world. Our group is supported by federal and state agencies.
Our Focus
Although it evolves over the years, we focus our research on enriching geotechnical engineering with resilient design utilizing the fundamentals of geomechanics. Toward this goal, we utilize multiscale experimental and numerical techniques to understand how geomaterials respond to different geoenvironmental conditions such as extreme temperatures (e.g., freezing), flooding, earthquakes, ...etc. We also build on our fundamental research and develop simplified design tools/models for engineers and practitioners.
Current Research Thrusts
Multiscale Erosion Testing/Modeling. We study different erosion processes undermining our infrastructure, such as bridge foundations, levees, and dams. We employ laboratory erosion tests under different soil types, and simulate the erosion process using coupled computational fluid dynamics-discrete element modeling (CFD-DEM)
CFD-DEM of Flume Test
Numerical Modeling of Frozen Grounds. We develop and implement soil constitutive models for frozen soils and use them to simulate different processes in frozen grounds, such as tunneling and excavations.
Excavation in Frozen Soil