Laboratory of Experimental Rock Mechanics LEMR

The Laboratory of Experimental Rock Mechanics (LEMR) at EPFL, under the direction of Prof. Marie Violay, belongs to the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC).

The LEMR conducts research on the mechanical behaviour, physical and fluid transport properties of rock materials at sub-surface conditions. This is accomplished by means of experimental research coupled with microstructural studies of the micro-scale processes, and modelling of these processes.

The LEMR provides research, teaching and services related to rock mechanics, rock physics, and engineering geomechanics.

 

Latest publications

Long tunnels maintenance: challenges and lessons learnt. The case study of the Gotthard Base Tunnel

F. Sandrone; A. Bombelli; C. Gambarsi 

2026. RILEM Spring Conference on Durability of Building Materials and Systems in Transportation Infrastructure, Mendrisio, Switzerland, 2025-03-25 – 2025-03-28.

Evolving physical and mechanical rock properties during exposure at Earth’s surface

M. Rasmussen; M. C. Eppes; Y. Yuan; P. G. Meredith; K. H. Apostolidis et al. 

Geomorphology. 2025. Vol. 488, p. 109943. DOI : 10.1016/j.geomorph.2025.109943.

The Role of Stress Distribution in Seismic Cycle Complexity of a Long Laboratory Fault

F. Paglialunga; F. Passelègue; J. P. Ampuero; S. Latour; M. Violay 

Geophysical Research Letters. 2025. Vol. 52, num. 18, p. e2025GL116440. DOI : 10.1029/2025GL116440.

 

Latest presentations

Effect of stress biaxiality on fracture energy and microstructures of tensile cracks

A. Guggisberg; M. Lebihain; J. Moore; M. Violay 

EGU 2023, Vienna, April 23-28, 2023.

Effect of water on sandstone and limestone, fracture toughness, frictional parameters and brittle strength.

M. Violay; C. Noël; P. Baud 

EGU 2023, Vienna, April 23-28, 2023.

The role of loading path on fault reactivation: a laboratory perspective

C. Giorgetti; M. Violay; C. Collettini 

EGU 2023, Vienna, April 23-28, 2023.