Profile summary

I am Assistant Professor of Multiphysics Geomechanics in the section of Geo-Engineering. My research focuses on assessing the impact of mechanical and environmental loads on the behaviour of geomaterials. I combine experimental testing, imaging and numerical modelling to develop fundamental understanding of the impact of multi-physics processes in geomaterials and propose solutions for safe, efficient and resilient geotechnical structures.


Expertise

• Geological disposal of radioactive waste
• Multiphysical (bio-chemo-thermo-hydro-mechanical) and multiscale processes in geomaterials
• Transfer of water and gas in porous media
• Behaviour of (expansive) clays
• Nature-inspired solutions for soil stabilisatio

• Safe Environment for Clay Underground Repository (SECUUR). Funded by NWO (Open Technology Programme). 2023 - 2028. PhD candidates Ties de Jong and Vidushi Toshniwal are funded by this project.
• European Joint Programme on Radioactive Waste Management (TU Delft contribution). Funded by EC and COVRA. 2019 - 2024. Researcher Joaquin Liaudat is funded by this project, and PhD candidate Zhaojiang Huang is carrying out related research.
• How do fractures perish? Towards a theory of self-healing mechanics for clays. Funded by NWO (Veni). 2019 - 2024. PhD candidate Bhini Chandan Malagar is carrying out related research.
• SoSEAL (TU Delft contribution). Funded by Hoogheemraadschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (innovation project within Sterke Lekdijk). 2022 - 2023. Researcher Thijs van der Wal is funded by this project.
• Multi-scale behaviour of bio-cemented sands: imaging, experimental testing and discrete element modelling. PhD candidate Aoxi Zhang is carrying out related research.

• CURE: Coupled multi-process research for reducing landfill emissions. Funded by NWO (GROOT) and led by Dr. Julia Gebert. 2020 - 2025. PhD candidate Cristhian Andrade Corona is funded by this project.
• Sustainable dykes: Sustainable design and reinforcement strategies for dykes in a changing climate. Funded by NWO (Top Sector Water & Maritime) and led by Prof. Cristina Jommi. 2020 - 2024. PhD candidate Inge de Wolf is funded by this project.
• EASYGO. Funded by EC (ITN) and led by Dr. Maren Brehme (ETH Zürich) and Phil Vardon (TU Delft). 2020 - 2025. PhD candidate Wen Luo is funded by this project.
• Mechanisms of rock mass instability in co-mining of deep mineral and geothermal energy considering spatio-temporal distribution of stress and temperature. Funded by FWO (Bilateral Scientific Cooperation China) and led by Prof. Thomas Hermans (Ghent University). 2022 - 2024. PhD candidate Le Zhang is funded by this project.

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