Numerical and experimental studies on thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of unsaturated soils and rocks

Abstract

The goals of this research project are to widen and strengthen the scientific partnerships between the professors involved in it, as well as to contribute to the development of their research, especially those linked to the Unesp Bauru and USP São Carlos Post Graduate Programs. The visitor professor is Dr. Marcelo Sanchez, from Texas A&M University. He has a great interest on the research that we have been conducting, as well as in increasing the interaction between our Universities. It is worth noticing the fact that Professor Sanchez is in continuous contact with our Research Group, and now he plans to extend his studies on the behavior of unsaturated soils throughout a numerical and experimental approach. This researcher is internationally renowned in this area and he has been working on development and implementation of numerical models that portray several aspects of the behavior of soils and rocks, like expansion, soil fissures and fractures due to drying, among others. These topics have a strong geotechnical and environmental appeal. The professors who will be participating in this exchange are: Prof. Manzoli, who has already been working with the visitor, professors Giacheti and Rodrigues (from Unesp) and professor Tsuha (from EESC-USP). It is, therefore, an excellent opportunity to enrich our researches with resources that are not available at Unesp-Bauru and USP-São Carlos, with the collaboration of a recognized researcher on the field of unsaturated soils and numerical modelling. (AU)