OVERVIEW
Welcome. We trust that you will find this site informative and helpful in your “googling” searches. It is designed to provide snapshots of our activities, so if you find something of interest feel free to contact one of us for more information. We’d be interested in conversing with you further.
The Soil Interactions Laboratory primarily focuses on a suite of topics related to the characterization, modification, and sustainable use of soils for geotechnical systems. Our research approach stems from fundamental science-based inquiry of processes, mechanisms, and phenomena, and then leveraging this understanding to provide solutions to practical engineering problems. Often this occurs in a collaborative interdisciplinary and international research environment.
Our current research activities are primarily focused in the following areas:
- Bio-mediated soil improvement
- Integrated site characterization
- instumented Becker Penetration Test (iBPT) for characterization of gravelly soils
- Removable test pile for improved pile design
- Assessment of sample disturbance of intermediate soils
- Liquefaction susceptibility of intermediate soils
- Variable penetration rate cone testing
- Influence of spatial variability in site characterization and geosystem performance
- Liquefaction susceptibility of intermediate soils
- Risk management practices for site investigation
- Sustainable considerations in geotechnical design and construction
Previous research has also included the biological processes in soils, full-flow penetrometers for characterization of soft soils, estimation of Vs30 values from in situ penetration tests, design of offshore wind turbine foundations, development of multi-friction sleeve cone penetrometer attachment, and the mechanics of shear load transfer across soil-structure interfaces, among others.
The tools utilized in this research range from advanced laboratory testing, to in situ testing methods, to numerical modeling using the FLAC platform. One of our primary strengths is in the development of new laboratory and in situ testing equipment and methodologies. Our research has been steadily funded through a variety of national (NSF, USGS, DOE), state (Caltrans, DWR, DSOD), and regional agencies (LADWP) as well as industry (Geosyntec, Geokon, Golder Assoc., ConeTec, EnGeo, Earth Mechanics, and Terra Insurance).
We endeavor to make graduate studies a full experience – where research that advances society is accomplished while students are mentored and develop the necessary technical and life skills for life-long careers and societal contributions. This experience typically includes presentations, site visits, travel to conferences, collaboration with other disciplines, and international and/or national travel for research. You are encouraged to visit the Geotechnical Graduate Student Society to learn more about the graduate school experience at UCD.