Joaquin Liaudat

» Designed and constructed a new experimental device for the study of gas migration in clay-rich materials, which allows the direct visualisation of discrete pathways. » Numerical modelling of gas migration in clays in the context of geological disposal facilities for radioactive waste.

» Developed and implemented a coupled PHM Finite Element model for gas migration in saturated clays, in the context of geological disposal facilities for radioactive waste. » Performed experiments to characterise the cracking and fabric evolution of soils treated with super absorbent hydrogels.

» Development of coupled THM Finite Element code for geomechanical analysis, including multiphase flow and hydraulic fracturing. » Development of a new experimental setup for the study of oilwell cements exposed to carbonated brine in the context of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects.

» Developed new lab testing methodologies for the study of Alkali-Silica Reaction in concrete. » Formulated and implemented a coupled Chemo-Mechanical FE code for durability problems in cement-based materials, with applications to ASR expansions in concrete and Acid Attack of oilwell cements. » Characterised the Fracture Mechanics properties of oil reservoir rocks through lab testing and numerical simulations. » Designed and constructed unconventional lab equipment for concrete and rock mechanics testing.

» Analysed project costs for competitive biddings. » Wrote tender documentation for subcontractors. » Designed building facilities for electrical substations and steel support structures for railway electrification systems. » Designed the geometry and structure of railways.

» Explained and supervised practical assignments for undergraduate students in the areas of Materials Science and Structures.

» Developed of a simplified procedure for the analysis of seismic behaviour of soil embankments. » Analysed the stability and deformation of geotechnical structures using commercial FEM codes (PLAXIS, ADINA). » Performed conventional geotechnical tests.

» Designed metallic support structures for industrial pipes and their foundations.

Thesis: Experimental and numerical study of the effect of stress on ASR expansions in concrete