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

Alteration’s Control on Frictional Behavior and the Depth of the Ductile Shear Zone in Geothermal Reservoirs in Volcanic Arcs

B. Fryer; F. Jermann; P. Patrier; B. Lanson; S. Jelavic et al. 

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH. 2025. Vol. 130, num. 2. DOI : 10.1029/2024JB030213.

The Influence of Micro- and Macrocracks on the Permeability of Granite

L. Carbillet; L. Griffiths; M. J. Heap; H. Duwiquet; P. Baud et al. 

ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING. 2024. DOI : 10.1007/s00603-024-04174-0.

Off-fault deformation feedback and strain localization precursor during laboratory earthquakes

G. G. Meyer; C. Giorgetti; S. Guérin-Marthe; M. Violay 

Communications Earth & Environment. 2024. Vol. 5, num. 1. DOI : 10.1038/s43247-024-01756-2.

 

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.

The role of loading path on fault reactivation: a laboratory perspective

C. Giorgetti; M. Violay; C. Collettini 

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.