Since its inception, the Group has had a clear research vocation that has led to numerous doctoral theses and publications in congresses and high-quality scientific journals, as well as collaborations with foreign universities (M.I.T., Oxford, TU Graz, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Chalmers University of Technology, NGI…) with exchange of researchers. Nowadays, the research lines detailed below are active with public funding (regional, national or European funds) or collaboration agreements with industry partners.
Ground Improvement
Soft soil treatment with gravel columns. Influence of column density, geotextile encasement, installation effects and influence of secondary consolidation of the natural soft soil.
Environmental Geotechnics
Study of the stability and deformability of landfills (Municipal Solid Waste, M.S.W. and mining tailings). Analysis of the frictional behavior of geosynthetics.
Numerical Methods in Geotechnics
Use of numerical methods, especially the finite element method, in geotechnical problems.
Offshore Geotechnics
Study of foundations of off-shore structures, for example, by means of drag or plate anchors, or skirted foundations.
Rock Mechanics
Analysis of the fracture processes and strength of rocks in geothermal exploitations.
Tunnels
Analytical and numerical analyses of the geotechnical behaviour of tunnels (e.g., tunnel convergences, surface settlements).