Research Programme

Field investigations in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, examine how geological setting, uncontrolled drainage, toe erosion, internal soil loss, and increasing structural loads interact to drive ground deformation. The work connects geomorphology, geotechnical characterisation, and damage observations to identify practical priorities for risk reduction in fragile mountain settlements.

This research investigates the coupled behaviour of slopes, shallow foundations, and buildings during earthquake loading. Experimental and numerical studies quantify the effects of slope geometry, soil properties, footing position, load eccentricity, and topographic amplification. The work identifies global, mixed, pre-local, and local failure mechanisms and translates them into mechanics-based guidance for safer construction on sloping terrain.

Current research develops non-destructive methods for detecting and assessing damage in pile foundations. The programme combines vibration-based diagnostics, fibre-optic strain sensing, large-scale experiments, and three-dimensional finite-element modelling. Particular emphasis is placed on linking changes in dynamic response to damage location and severity under realistic soil–pile interaction.

Research methods integrate laboratory testing, large-scale physical models, field monitoring, Digital Image Correlation, fibre Bragg grating sensing, remote observations, and finite-element analysis. This multi-scale approach connects fundamental mechanisms with measurements that can support design, assessment, and long-term infrastructure management.