In-Situ and Laboratory Testing of Static and Dynamic Properties of Earth Materials

Using new and improved techniques to characterize the static, and especially the dynamic properties of soils, is a major focus of my research program. Field approaches have involved the use of large mobile vibroseis to dynamically test materials in the field not only in the linear strain range, but also in the nonlinear strain range, and the use of non-invasive seismic surface-wave based methodologies that are enabled by Unmanned Aerial Autonomous Vehicles (aka drones). In the laboratory, numerous laboratory testing techniques are used to assess the properties of earth materials. Among those a unique, 300-mm diameter Cyclic Simple Shear Apparatus has been developed and is used to test materials, such as gravel and waste materials that cannot be tested using conventional laboratory testing apparatuses.