Development of robust numerical techniques for simulating soil-structure interaction problems in two and three dimensions.
Kinematically consistent 3-d interface elements (P. Jiang, Ph.D. student, UD)
Development of efficient 2- and 3-d elements for coupled stress-flow simulations (P. Jiang, Ph.D. student, UD)
Development of finite deformation reinforcement elements.
Constitutive modeling of geomaterials
Development of robust yet practical formulations to simulate the time-dependent, anisotropic response of cohesive soils (VNK with Dr. H.I. Ling, Columbia University. Experimental data courtesy of select researchers from around the world).
Better accounting for the role that the microfabric of clays plays on their macroscopic response.
Development of a database of model parameters for a time-dependent, anisotropic bounding surface model for clays. (See current web page)
Large deformations and shear banding in clays (NSF funded research; co-PI with Dr. J. A. Yamamuro).
Axisymmetric and true triaxial testing programs (Mr. Pongpipat Anantana, Ph.D. student Oregon State University; Mr. Ben Haines, MS student Oregon State University)
SEM studies of the microfabric (Mr. Pongpipat Anantana, Ph.D. student Oregon State University)
Constitutive modeling of geosynthetics
Development of simple yet robust micromechanics based model for geosynthetics (some collaborative work has been carried out with Dr. R. J. Bathurst at the Royal Military College of Canada).
Civil engineering applications of scrap tires (DelDOT funded research; co-PI with Professors Attoh-Okine and Imhoff at UD).