GeoRL RESEARCH
OUR MISSION
We aim to advance the science and practice of geotechnical engineering by developing data-driven and physics-based tools that integrate micro- to macro-scale soil behavior, enabling resilient and efficient design of geo-structures for a changing world. Our group is supported by federal and state agencies.
OUR FOCUS
Although it evolves over the years, we focus our research on enriching geotechnical engineering with resilient design utilizing the fundamentals of geomechanics. towards this goal, we utilize multiscale experimental and numerical techniques to understand how geomaterials respond to different environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures (i.e., freezing), flooding, earthquakes, ...etc. We also build on our fundamental research and develop simplified design tools/models for engineers and practitioners.
CURRENT RESEARCH THRUSTS
Multiscale Erosion Testing/Modeling
We study different erosion processes undermining our infrastructure, such as bridge foundations, levees, and dams. We employ laboratory erosion tests on different soil types, and simulate the erosion process using coupled computational fluid dynamics-discrete element modeling (DEM-CFD).
Modeling of Frozen Grounds
We develop and implement soil constitutive models for frozen soils and use them to simulate different processes in frozen grounds, such as tunneling and excavations.
NEWS
August 2025: Mr. Mohammad Almasaeid joined our research group. Welcome, Mohammad!
June 2024: Our research group received a grant to study frozen soils behavior in the arctic regions.
May 2024: Our research group received a grant to study the erosion of sandy soils enhanced with biopolymers.
January 2024: GeoRL is established at Howard University. Go Bisons!