Who we are

The Centre for Geotechnical and Materials Modelling focuses on the development of new models and innovative computational methods for predicting the behaviour of geomaterials, metals, and composites. Advanced computational methods, coupled with laboratory and field testing, are key tools in this pursuit.

The Centre combines two of Australia's leading research teams in their own areas: the Geotechnical Research Group and the Diffusion in Solids Group. Although these groups study problems at different length scales, they are united in their aim to develop material models that accurately describe the macroscopic behaviour of a wide range of materials. They are also united by their common interest in the use of advanced computational methods, such as nonlinear finite element analysis, to solve multiphase problems involving deformation, diffusion and transport.

By combining the numerical modelling expertise of the Geotechnical Research Group with the nano- and micro-scale modelling expertise of the Diffusion in Solids Group, a wide range of practical problems are being studied including contaminant migration and remediation in soils, the constitutive behaviour of geomaterials (soils and rocks), failure mechanisms and heat transport in electronic devices, and the mechanical behaviour of tunnels, building foundations, road embankments, harbour facilities, and mine sites.

Laureate Fellowship

The Director of the Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical and Materials Modelling, Scott Sloan, has been awarded an inaugural Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship. One of 15 nationwide, this fellowship has a total value of $2.7M over 5 years and will enable Scott to focus his attention on research. The topic of the project, Collapse Analysis for Geotechnical Infrastructure, continues the groundbreaking Newcastle work on developing new methods for predicting the stability of geostructures under static and cyclic loads. The Fellowships were announced by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, at an official launch on the 22 June 2009 in Canberra.