Research Cluster
Geomechanics and Hydrogeology
Contact point
Sebastià Olivella
Academic Leaders
Sebastià Olivella, Núria M. Pinyol, Xavier Sánchez-Vila, Marcos Arroyo, Alberto Ledesma, Enrique E. Romero, Ivan Puig
External Advisors
Bernhard Schrefler, Simona Perotto
The Geomechanics and Hydrogeology Research Cluster at CIMNE advances computational modeling of soil and rock behavior, with emphasis on coupled THMC processes in porous media. Their research supports engineered solutions for underground structures, groundwater management, and environmental challenges.
The Geomechanics and Hydrogeology Research Cluster at CIMNE pioneers advanced computational modeling and experimental techniques to understand the complex behavior of soil and rock. Their expertise centers on coupled thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, and chemical (THMC) processes in porous media, with applications spanning both scientific research and engineering practice.
The cluster develops sophisticated numerical tools like CODE_BRIGHT to analyze and predict material behavior in challenging geotechnical contexts. Current research priorities include modeling gas flow patterns and THM phenomena in geological media—with particular focus on heterogeneity effects and preferential flow paths—and advancing the integration of geochemistry with THM simulations through object-oriented programming approaches..
The cluster’s work supports diverse applications from civil engineering projects (tunnels, dams, retaining walls) to critical environmental challenges such as nuclear waste isolation, energy storage, and carbon sequestration. By combining fundamental research with practical engineering solutions, experts in this cluster contribute to safer, more sustainable underground structures and improved groundwater resource management, addressing both current industry needs and emerging global challenges in geoenvironmental engineering.
Ongoing projects
Finished projects
Search
Related news
El CIMNE contribueix a un projecte internacional per garantir la seguretat dels magatzems geològics de residus nuclears
Emmagatzematge de residus radioactius temporal previ a l'emmagatzematge geològic profund. L’electricitat representa avui dia prop del 40% de les emissions globals de gasos d’efecte hivernacle, segons l’Agència Internacional de l’Energia (IEA). Països com...
CIMNE researcher Marcos Arroyo takes part in a dutch TV investigation documentary about the Brumadinho dam failure
On 18 December, KRO-NCRV, a public television and radio organization in the Netherlands, broadcasted the investigation documentary about the Brumadinho dam failure titled "The deadly dam burst" via Pointer, a new digital platform for acclaimed Dutch data...
More News