Engineering Geology

Field data collection

We leverage recent advances in environmental sensing and robotics, such as autonomous vehicle technology, to collect unique in-situ measurements of geologic processes that interact with human development. For example, in collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest Snow and Landscape Research WSL we have installed a number of LiDAR scanners and high-framerate cameras in the Illgraben, Valais, in order to measure debris-flow propagation at high spatial and temporal resolution.

Laboratory analysis

We are currently developing new laboratory procedures to study processes such as liquefaction, fracture propagation and landslide kinematics. For these experiments, we use approaches that combine fundamental process understanding with new technological advances in order to test new hypotheses and validate numerical models.

Numerical modelling

We leverage advanced numerical modelling, including GPU computing, to study phenomena such as the runout of extremely rapid flow-like landslides, the stability of soil slopes, as well as coupled processes that condition and trigger rock slope failure. We develop models that advance our process understanding and place an emphasis on developing tools that are useful to practitioners and regulators.

Research projects within the Engineering Geology group emphasise sound fundamental understanding and aim to provide the foundational research needed to solve the most pressing problems in engineering geology.