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

Poromechanical Toughening in Tensile Fracture of Saturated Solids

A. Guggisberg; M. Allache; P. Braun; M. Lebihain; M. Violay 

2026

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The influence of hydrothermal alteration on the frictional properties of andesites: implications for volcano instability and collapse

C. Giorgetti; M. J. Heap; H. A. Gilg; J-C. Komorowski; M. Violay 

Bulletin of Volcanology. 2026. Vol. 88, num. 4. DOI : 10.1007/s00445-026-01946-0.

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Effects of pore fluid chemistry on localised and ductile deformation of porous rocks

F. Lazari; G. Meyer; A. Pluymakers; M. Violay 

2026. EGU26, the 26th EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, and online, 2026-05-03 – 2026-05-08. DOI : 10.5194/egusphere-egu26-19502.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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