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

Permeability partitioning through the brittle-to-ductile transition and its implications for supercritical geothermal reservoirs

G. Meyer; G. Shahin; B. Cordonnier; M. Violay 

Nature Communications. 2024. Vol. 15, num. 1. DOI : 10.1038/s41467-024-52092-0.

Compaction and Permeability Evolution of Tuffs From Krafla Volcano (Iceland)

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

Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth. 2024. Vol. 129, num. 8. DOI : 10.1029/2024JB029067.

Introduction to special section on the rock physics contribution to the energy transition challenge

I. H. Falcon-Suarez; L. Adam; H. Marin-Moreno; G. Papageorgiou; L. X. Pimienta 

Geophysical Prospecting. 2024. DOI : 10.1111/1365-2478.13521.

 

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.