Geotechnical Engineering
The Geotechnical Engineering Special Interest Group at the University of Warwick is at the forefront of research into soil mechanics and underground construction processes, utilising novel approaches and technologies.
The group is actively investigating disturbances caused by ground engineering methods and the impact of environmental change on soil behaviour. Of special interest is the visualization of these processes, as they occur for example in underground construction and slope failure processes. A thorough understanding of the governing mechanism will lead to improved engineering practices in various aspects, which will reduce the cost of construction for contractors and owners, prevent the hazard of ground failure to the public, avoid possible environmental contamination, and preserve the historical artifacts.
Utilizing innovative technologies like digital imaging and particle image velocimetry, physical modelling of soil behaviour can be performed to accurately determine disturbances and movements inside the soil body.
Two dimensional models are used for natural granular and cohesive materials. In addition, the technology to produce novel material of a “transparent soil” has been developed. The transparency of the artificial soil material, with engineering properties broadly similar to clay, allows the visualization of processes within three dimensional soil bodies. The group is working to further improve the material and imaging technique, to perform true three dimensional modelling and analysis of construction processes.
A similar technique is also applied to research into the flow of granular materials. Flumes and high speed digital imaging equipment are used to visualise flow processes of such materials.
For the analysis of test and soil disturbance processes standard industrial and specialist academic numerical software is used and developed. The group has a well equipped laboratory that has apparatus for standard soil testing, such as shear box measurements and triaxial compression testing. In addition small and large ring shear machines are available.
Contact details:
School of Engineering
University of Warwick
Coventry CV4 7AL
United Kingdom
