FOCUS Research Group – Informing Underground Construction

Underground Construction

We develop new science and technology to inform underground construction operations

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New Sensors and Technology

We leverage the latest advances in optical sensing and AI to develop low cost sensors for the construction industry

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Advanced Modelling

Laboratory modelling and numerical simulations underpin design methods tailored for industry

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Geotechnical Engineering

We are based within the geotechnical research group at Oxford University

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Geotechnical Monitoring

New sensors & technology including machine learning and real-time feedback

Experimental and Numerical Modelling

Laboratory (reduded-scale) modeling and advanced numerical analyses

Field Deployment and Validation

Data-driven decision-making and new design methods

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>£1.4M

FUNDING SUPPORT

14

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About Us

The FOCUS (Intelligent Fibre Optic Monitoring to Inform the Construction of Underground Services) project is funded through the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. Alongside a range of industry partners, we develop intelligent, automated methods for instrumenting, measuring and monitoring soil-structure interaction during underground construction processes including, but not limited to, tunnelling, deep excavations and large-diameter shafts.

A particular focus of our research has been in the area of soil-structure interaction (SSI) covering development of normal and frictional contact stresses exerted by soil onto structures, soil strength mobilization displacements, pore water pressures and their time dependence. Our research has included the use of numerical modelling, laboratory testing at model scale, and field testing/monitoring.

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