Laboratory

The mechanical properties of rock are crucial for understanding ground response during tunnel excavation and for assessing rock-lining interactions throughout the lifespan of underground structures. Our laboratory provides the capability to study the mechanical behaviour of a wide range of rocks, from hard to soft types, across different scales using advanced triaxial setups equipped with high-precision control systems.

These setups are designed to precisely manage loading conditions and capture the hydro-mechanical behaviour of low-permeability rocks. To evaluate the swelling behaviour of shales and anhydritic rocks—which poses a significant threat to tunnel durability—we use specially developed setups that enable the study of long-term evolution under constant temperature.

Experimental test set-up for triaxial testing under regulated pore pressure and temperature conditions.

23 test set-ups for force and displacement controlled swelling tests under controlled temperature and humidity conditions.