Understanding the behaviour of soils and their interaction with structures is an essential component of geotechnical engineering. The focus of this research filed is in determining the mechanical properties of soils, mathematically modelling their behaviour, and developing high-precision methods for determining soil parameters.

High-quality testing methods for soils form the foundation of reliable geotechnical engineering services. Work in this area deals with numerous testing methods for geotechnical investigations and the improvement/advancement of these methods. The research field is not limited to common laboratory tests but also extends to the enhancement of in-situ tests, the development of novel anchor testing methods, and the planning of large-scale testing programs.

Numerical geotechnics involves the use of computer simulations, numerical methods, and modelling to simulate complex geotechnical problems related to soil-structure interactions, foundation design, slope stability, tunnel construction, and other geotechnical applications. The focus here is on validating novel numerical elements/methods, stability assessment using Finite Element Method (FEM), and modelling complex geotechnical processes.

Digitalization has arrived in geotechnics and offers a wide range of untapped possibilities. Topics include Building Information Modeling (BIM), Machine Learning, automation, and optimization. Keywords here are the specialist model for subsoil (“Fachmodell Baugrund”), adaptive design, as well as real-time back analysis of geotechnical structures.

Foundation engineering encompasses the practical analysis, design, and planning of geotechnical structures. The combination of soil, water, and structures (e.g., foundations, excavations, retaining walls, etc.) presents an extremely complex task for ensuring the stability and functionality of structures. Work in this area focuses on applying and improving common analysis methods.