Research

Our national and international activities encompass both fundamental and applied research. The focus lies on addressing contemporary societal challenges. For instance, we are involved in the expansion of renewable energies, conducting research on the foundation structures of offshore wind turbines concerning their stability, as well as investigating geotechnical phenomena and sound mitigation during installations to protect marine life. Our research on rock and salt mechanics involves advancing material models for salt and developing concepts for the long-term stability of underground cavities. We also contribute to the advancement of wave propagation in the subsurface and in foundation structures through both application and research.

Methodologically, we have access to laboratory, pilot plant, and large-scale experimental facilities equipped with the necessary geotechnical instrumentation, as well as powerful analytical and numerical software systems. Additionally, we have extensive experience in conducting in situ tests, including offshore and underground.

Our research is funded by various organizations including the German Research Foundation (DFG), the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Construction and Nuclear Safety (BMUB), the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), along with their respective project management agencies such as Jülich (PTJ) and Karlsruhe (PTKa). Additionally, we collaborate with private sector companies for applied research projects.