(a) Earthquake response of natural silts; (b) response of buried pipelines to ground movements; and (c) mechanical response of mine waste

岩土工程研究的三个主题是全球性的意义，特别适用于抗震设计，采矿和管道工程。 重点是进行新颖和前沿的研究，在满足现实生活需求的同时推进基础知识。 淤泥的地震反应：目前对细粒土地震反应的评价方法存在很大的争议。 最近地震的证据也强调了理解天然淤泥反应的必要性。 在此背景下，提出了粉土力学响应的室内研究方法。 这项研究将直接有助于提高知识和改进设计方法/准则，在地震岩土engineering. ResponseofBuriedPipelines地震运动：聚乙烯（PE）管在埋地天然气分配系统中越来越受欢迎，这些系统在地面变形的地区的性能是一个重要的工程考虑。 由于缺乏基础知识，在PE管道的评价中，目前的实践主要依赖于针对钢管开发的方法，这种方法具有很大的局限性。 采用足尺模型试验和数值模拟的方法，研究了地面运动对埋地PE管道性能的影响。 调查结果将提供投入，制定指导方针，安全运行的聚乙烯气体管道system.Mechanical响应矿山废物：混合矿山废石和尾矿处置是一个相对较新的概念，在矿山废物管理，以防止问题，如酸性岩石排水和液化。 目前对矿山废弃物混合物的机械响应的理解非常有限。 建议使用先进的实验室元件测试来研究这种复杂材料的机械响应。 这项工作将支持开发混合处理矿山废物所需的新技术和材料科学。

Geotechnical engineering research on three topics that are of global significance, with particular applicability to seismic design, mining, and pipeline engineering is proposed.  The focus is to undertake novel and leading-edge research that would advance the fundamental knowledge while addressing real-life needs.  EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE OF SILTS: There is significant controversy regarding the current approaches to assess the earthquake response of fine-grained soils.  Evidence from recent earthquakes has also emphasized the need for understanding the response of natural silts.  With this background, laboratory research is proposed to study the mechanical response of silts.  The research will directly contribute to advancing the knowledge and improving design methods/guidelines in earthquake geotechnical engineering.RESPONSE OF BURIED PIPELINES TO GROUND MOVEMENT: Polyethylene (PE) pipes are becoming increasingly popular in buried natural gas distribution systems, and the performance of these systems in areas subjected to ground deformations is an important engineering consideration.  Due to lack of fundamental knowledge, in the evaluation of PE piping, the current practice mainly relies on the methods developed for steel pipes, and this approach has significant limitations.  Research is proposed to understand the performance of buried PE pipelines under ground movements using full-scale model testing and numerical modeling.  The findings will provide input to developing guidelines for safe operation of PE gas pipeline systems.MECHANICAL RESPONSE OF MINE WASTE:  Mixing mine waste rock and tailings for disposal is a relatively new concept in mine waste management to prevent problems such as acid rock drainage and liquefaction.  Current understanding of the mechanical response of mine waste mixtures is very limited.  It is proposed to study the mechanical response of this complex material using advanced laboratory element testing.  The work will support the development of new technology and material science required for blended disposal of mine waste.