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.
Santamarina, J. C., Dai, S., Jang, J., & Terzariol, M. (2012), Scientific Drilling
Pressure core characterization tools for hydrate-bearing sediments
Natural gas hydrates represent a vast energy resource, but sampling them alters their native state. This paper presents a suite of advanced pressure core characterization tools developed to measure the physical, mechanical, and transport properties of hydrate-bearing sediments while maintaining in situ pressure conditions. These devices enable the reliable assessment of deep-sea and permafrost hydrate reservoirs for energy recovery and stability analyses.
Zhao, Y., & Dai, S. (2023), Biogeotechnics
Challenges of rock drilling and opportunities from bio-boring
Conventional rock drilling faces significant challenges related to energy consumption, tool wear, and environmental impact. This study explores bio-boring strategies inspired by nature, examining the biological mechanisms used by organisms to penetrate hard substrates. By translating these natural processes into engineering applications, the research offers a novel, energy-efficient paradigm for future geostructural excavation and drilling technologies.
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.
Fragaszy, R. J., Santamarina, J. C., Amekudzi, A., Assimaki, D., Bachus, R., Burns, S. E., Cha, M., Cho, G. C., Cortes, D. D., Dai, S., & Espinoza, D. N. (2011), KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering
Sustainable development and energy geotechnology—Potential roles for geotechnical engineering
Global energy demands and environmental challenges necessitate innovative engineering solutions. This comprehensive review outlines the pivotal role of geotechnical engineering in energy geotechnology, encompassing resource extraction, energy storage, and waste management. It highlights how integrating thermo-hydro-mechanical-chemical processes is essential for advancing sustainable infrastructure and addressing climate change.
Dai, S., Boswell, R., Waite, W. F., Jang, J., Lee, J. Y., & Seol, Y. (2017), 9th International Conference on Gas Hydrates
What has been learned from pressure cores
Pressure coring is critical for preserving the natural state of hydrate-bearing sediments during extraction. This synthesis reviews key findings obtained from pressure core analyses, detailing advancements in understanding hydrate morphology, geomechanical properties, and fluid flow behavior. The insights derived bridge the gap between laboratory studies and field-scale predictions for hydrate reservoir responses.
Joo, H. W., Kwon, T. H., & Dai, S. (2023), Applied Clay Science
Clay-bacteria interaction: Effect of bacterial cell density on sedimentation behavior and fabric map of kaolinite clay
The presence of microorganisms significantly alters the physical behavior of clay-rich sediments. This research investigates the interactions between kaolinite clay and bacteria, focusing on how bacterial cell density influences sedimentation rates and micro-fabric formation. These findings provide fundamental insights into biogeotechnical engineering, with implications for soil stabilization, contaminant transport, and marine sediment dynamics.
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.