The research activities in this area concern the following topics:
- Experimental characterization and modelling of the mechanical behaviour of soils; partially saturated soil mechanics and applications in natural deposits and earthworks;
- Foundations and retaining structures;
- Underground works; interaction between existing buildings and underground works; interaction between the tunnel lining and ground; stability of underground cavities;
- Slope stability; behaviour of slopes with unsaturated pyroclastic cover; slopes engraved in clayley complex formations; Landslides in rock and mudslides; evaluation of susceptibility, hazard and landslide risk in large areas and its thematic mapping; applications of satellite monitoring techniques to the environmental control;
- Ground improvement and reinforcement of soils and rocks;
- Dynamics of soils and geotechnical earthquake engineering; dynamic soil-structure interaction; seismic behavior of geotechnical works;
- Geological survey; characterization of natural building materials; hydro-geological risk;
- Groundwater resources; cartography (GIS) of vulnerability and water pollution; characterization of aquifers in different geological contexts; the chemistry of water; mineral waters; geothermal energy.