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

Modeling the thermo-mechanical behavior of porous lava under reservoir conditions

G. Shahin; M. J. Heap; A. Gilg 

International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences. 2026. Vol. 199. DOI : 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106383.

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.

Pore-fluid Pressure Pulses From Rapid, Localized Compaction of a Porous Rock

H. Quelquejay Leclere; D. Faulkner; J. Bedford; J. G. Behnsen; M. Violay et al. 

TECTONOPHYSICS. 2025. Vol. 918. DOI : 10.1016/j.tecto.2025.230951.

 

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.

Impact of Heterogeneous Initial Stress on the Seismic Cycle and Rupture Dynamics of a Long Laboratory Fault

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

EGU25, the 27th EGU General Assembly, Vienne, Austria, 2025-04-27 – 2025-05-02.

Compaction and permeability evolution of tuffs from the Krafla geothermal system (Iceland)

M. J. Heap; K. Bayramov; G. Meyer; M. Violay; T. Reuschlé et al. 

EGU25, the 27th EGU General Assembly, Vienne, Austria, 2025-04-27 – 2025-05-02.