LG allows the development of fundamental research on the stress-strain behaviour of soil from very small deformations to failure conditions under monotonic and cyclic loading; mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical characterization of geomaterials in saturated and unsaturated conditions; field tests such as quality control and dynamic load tests on piles and seismic tests for geophysical characterization.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

  • R&D Activities
  • Teaching Activities
  • Consultancy Services

MAIN RESEARCH AREAS

  • Liquefaction
  • Biocementation
  • Geothermal
  • Soils decontamination
  • Tunnels stability
  • Treated soils
  • Structure-soil interaction
  • Thermoactive structures
  • Gas migration in soils

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

  • Characterization of geomaterials
  • Seismic fragility and vulnerability curves for tunnels
  • Vibrations in urban area
  • Seismic vulnerability of underground structures
  • Biocementation
  • Geotechnical characterization in urban areas
  • Full-displacement piles
  • Soil-atmosphere interaction
  • Dynamic properties of soil and dynamic characterization by non-conventional methods
  • Soil reinforcement
  • Energy piles
  • Support of Ph.D. and MSc theses experimental work

CONSULTANCY ACTIVITIES

  • Dynamic characterization of soils from small to large strains, including liquefaction
  • Special foundations, site effects, tunnels, thermopiles and jet-grouting
  • Biocementation
  • Electro-chemo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of soils
  • Soil improvement and decontamination techniques

MAIN EQUIPMENT

SAMPLE OF SAND AFTER TRIAXIAL TEST

PEDESTAL WITH BENDER ELEMENTS FOR THE RESONANT COLUMN

ELECTRO-OSMOTIC CELL

SOIL SUCTION MEASUREMNET USING RELATIVE HUMIDITY SENSORS

BIO-CEMENTATION

IN SITU SEISMIC TESTS

INSTRUMENTED PILE LOADING TEST

STAFF

Email: rafaela.cardoso@ist.utl.pt