Research

GHERG conducts applied research with a strong theoretical underpinning in a range of areas related to geotechnical, hydrogeological and environmental engineering as well as soil science.

Topics

GHERG specialises in the following research topics:

  • optimisation of landform and cover design for mine rehabilitation
  • performance and sustainability of artificial soils
  • computational modelling of coupled geomechanical and hydrological processes
  • groundwater recharge and regional water balance affected by mining
  • rebound capacity of subsided land following re-watering
  • contribution of preferential flow to water balance
  • stability analysis for large open pit mines
  • material heterogeneity and spatially variable systems
  • numerical fracture mechanics (e.g. for open pit mining; crack formation and impact on stability)
  • geomechanical effects of piping and internal erosion
  • mine drainage and horizontal borehole characterisation.

Projects

GHERG applies its research expertise to geotechnical, hydrogeological and environmental engineering projects in many areas, particularly open pit mining and mine rehabilitation.

See our current projects.

See our completed projects.

Research facilities

GHERG is a fully outfitted research and testing facility.

For a full list of our equipment and to make a booking, go to our Research Facilities page.

Scholarships

A number of research scholarships are available to higher degree research students.

The Henry Sutton PhD Scholarship offers international candidates in the School of Engineering, Information Technology and Physical Sciences a full Federation University Research Tuition Scholarship and a Stipend scholarship for a period of three years. Find out more on the Henry Sutton PhD Scholarship page.

More information about the full range of scholarships available at Federation University, including application dates, can be found on the Scholarships page.

Publications

Find out more about the publications generated by GHERG on our Publications page.

Contact us

Get in touch with GHERG via the Contact Us page.