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
Pore pressure at the crack tip: fluid-induced toughening during tensile fracture of fluid-saturated porous solids
M. Lebihain; A. Guggisberg; M. Allache; P. Braun; M. Violay
2026. EGU26, the 26th EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, and online, 2026-05-03 – 2026-05-08. DOI : 10.5194/egusphere-egu26-9104. Lithologic Controls on Frictional Behavior Along the Shallow Subduction Interface: Constraints From an Exhumed Accretionary Wedge (McHugh Complex, Alaska)
M. Rast; W. Behr; C. Madonna; S. Guérin-Marthe
2026. EGU26, the 26th EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, and online, 2026-05-03 – 2026-05-08. DOI : 10.5194/egusphere-egu26-16525. The influence of porosity and microstructure on the fracture toughness of basalts from Mt. Etna: laboratory measurements
L. Papanagnou; S. Furst; C. Noël; M. J. Heap; M. Violay et al.
2026. EGU26, the 26th EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, and online, 2026-05-03 – 2026-05-08. DOI : 10.5194/egusphere-egu26-21233.
Latest presentations
The Impact of Pore Geometry and Orientation on Permeability Evolution and Compaction Band Formation in Volcanic Rocks
K. Bayramov; M. J. Heap; P. Baud; F. Lazari
EGU25, the 27th EGU General Assembly, Vienne, Austria, 2025-04-27 – 2025-05-02.
