Publications
Selected peer-reviewed journal publications from NGRI members and collaborators
Felice, C. W., Gaffney, E. S., Brown, J. A., & Olsen, J. M. (1987), Geotechnical Testing Journal
Dynamic High Stress Experiments on Soil
Understanding the dynamic response of soil to impulse loads is essential for advanced geotechnical applications. This study adapts the split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique to evaluate soil behavior under high-stress conditions, extending testing capabilities beyond conventional laboratory equipment. The research systematically addresses unique soil characteristics, including low wave speeds and nonlinear hysteretic behavior, to establish experimental accuracy and data reliability. The findings validate the SHPB method as a replicable and robust framework for investigating dynamic soil mechanics.
Ryou, J. E., Gang, S., Choi, Y., Dai, S. C., & Jung, J. (2026), Powder Technology
The interplay between pore and particle characteristics in sands based on computed tomographic image analyses
This study presents a quantitative framework for characterizing pore and particle parameters in sands using X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT). By analyzing spherical and angular sands under varying confining stresses, the research extracts key geometric descriptors and applies statistical distribution models to evaluate structural evolution. The findings demonstrate that spherical sands undergo uniform pore contraction under loading, whereas angular sands experience fracture-driven network reconfiguration. These empirical correlations improve the predictive accuracy of pore network and constitutive models for permeability, stiffness, and strength in geotechnical applications.
Magsino, S. L., Gilbert, P. H., Ariaratnam, S. T., Connery, N. R., English, G., Felice, C. W., Hashash, Y. M. A., & Spence, S. (2014), Geo-Congress 2014: Geo-characterization and Modeling for Sustainability
Underground Engineering for Sustainable Urban Development
This paper, summarizing findings from a National Research Council report, evaluates the role of underground engineering in sustainable urban development. It identifies that current practices lack interdisciplinary coordination and long-term investment, which adversely impacts sustainability and increases infrastructure costs. The authors advocate for comprehensive lifecycle planning of underground spaces as integrated three-dimensional urban systems. The study emphasizes the need for improved analysis, asset management, retrospective cost assessments, and targeted interdisciplinary education to optimize the economic, social, and environmental benefits of underground infrastructure.
Felice, C. W., & Brenniman, H. (2005), Civil Engineering Magazine
Power Drill
This article details the foundation engineering for a 500-meter cable-stayed bridge and its approaches in India, which required 676 large-diameter drilled shafts ranging from 4 to 34 meters in length. The geotechnical conditions spanned from highly weathered volcanic materials to massive, high-strength rocks. The study demonstrates the application of pier-by-pier design and systematic in situ testing to address site-specific geological variabilities.
Cao, S. C., Dai, S., & Jung, J. (2015), International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control
Supercritical CO2 and brine displacement in geological carbon sequestration: Micromodel and pore network simulation studies
This study investigates pore-scale displacement phenomena during the injection of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) into brine-saturated reservoirs. Utilizing high-pressure micromodels and pore network simulations, the research evaluates how scCO2 injection efficiency is enhanced by higher injection rates and widely distributed pore sizes, yet hindered by increased brine salinity. The findings emphasize the critical role of the capillary number in displacement ratios, indicating that modifying fluid properties can optimize microscopic flows. This work provides fundamental insights into the physical mechanisms governing short-term injectivity and long-term capillary trapping in geological carbon sequestration.
Ikbarieh, A., & Dai, S. C. (2025), Waste Management
Compressibility and permeability of particulated non-recyclable municipal solid waste
Converting non-recyclable municipal solid waste (NMSW) into sustainable biofuels is frequently hindered by material handling challenges caused by highly variable physical properties. This study investigates the compressibility and gas permeability of five particulated NMSW streams and their mixtures under varying stress conditions using a customized experimental setup. The research establishes a validated semi-empirical model to predict mixture permeability and demonstrates that reducing particle size significantly improves material consistency. These findings provide essential data to optimize the design of feedstock handling equipment, such as hoppers and solid pumps, for waste-to-energy facilities.
Castro, G. M., Park, J., & Santamarina, J. C. (2026), Canadian Geotechnical Journal
Metal Corrosion in the Vadose Zone: Effects of Moisture Cycles and Active Evaporation Conditions
Corrosion poses a severe threat to critical underground infrastructure, driven by complex soil moisture and evaporation dynamics. This study utilizes laboratory experiments and micro-CT imaging to reveal how oxygen and salt accumulation accelerates metal degradation. The findings propose capillary barriers as a practical engineering solution to block harmful moisture and salt transport, offering a viable method to protect subterranean systems.
Han, G., & Santamarina, J. C. (2026), Geotechnical Testing Journal
Laboratory Devices and Methods for the Study of Processes in Rock Fractures: Fracture Generation, Characterization, and Process Monitoring
Fluid and heat transport within rock fractures are critical for subsurface engineering, yet direct field observation remains highly restricted. This research introduces an innovative laboratory framework using 3D printing and milling to create realistic rock fracture models. By applying advanced imaging techniques, the study enables real-time monitoring of complex internal processes, bridging the gap between field limitations and experimental capabilities for energy and environmental applications.
Santamarina, J. C., Aftab, A., Espinoza, D. N., Dusseault, M., Gens, A., Hoteit, H., Kim, S., Lee, J. Y., Lei, L., Narsilio, G., Pereira, J. M., Sanchez, M., Soga, K., Villar, M. V., & Violay, M. (2022), Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering
Energy geo-engineering
Sustainable energy transitions and climate mitigation demand rigorous management of the subsurface environment. This comprehensive review examines the active role of geotechnical engineering in addressing global energy challenges across five domains, including carbon geological storage, advanced geothermal systems, and nuclear waste disposal. The insights highlight how soil and rock mechanics form the essential foundation for clean energy infrastructure.