Research

Geomaterial-Climate Interaction

How will geomaterials respond under changing climate and extreme environments? Our team is looking into geomaterial-climate interactions under various conditions, such as global warming, long-term drought, heavy rainfall, and rising sea level.

Freezing-thawing process — Freezing-Thawing Process

Freezing-thawing rock crack evolution — Freezing-Thawing Process

Wetting-drying process — Wetting-Drying Process

Imaging & Sensing Techniques

Our team is working on the development, testing, and application of various imaging and sensing techniques for rapid and nondestructive geomaterial characterization.

Electromagnetic induction — Electromagnetic Induction

2D imaging-based crack analysis — 2D Imaging-based Crack Analysis

3D scanning of surface morphology — 3D Scanning of Surface Morphology

Electrical resistivity imaging — Electrical Resistivity Imaging

Micro X-ray fluorescence — Micro X-ray Fluorescence

Infrared thermal imaging — Infrared Thermal Imaging

Scanning electron microscopy — Scanning Electron Microscopy

X-Ray diffraction analysis — X-Ray Diffraction Analysis

Bio-mediated Geotechnics

The bio-mediated technology utilizes microbial or other bio-related methods to reinforce geomaterial strength, reduce permeability, and remediate geoenvironmental concerns.

Microbial-induced calcite precipitation — Microbial-Induced Calcite Precipitation

Enzyme-induced calcite precipitation — Enzyme-Induced Calcite Precipitation

Energy Geotechnology

Our team is interested in the application of geotechnology in energy production (e.g., geothermal, hydraulic fracturing) and geological storage (e.g., oil and gas storage, induced seismicity, nuclear waste disposal).

Storage in salt cavern temperature distribution — Storage in Salt Cavern

Storage in salt cavern damage distribution — Storage in Salt Cavern

Wastewater disposal — Wastewater Disposal

Novel Geotechnical Education

Our team is always interested in exploring new approaches to attract more students into the field of geotechnical engineering and enhance their learning experience.