Research areas

In this line of research, we are developing..:

advanced behavioral models (e.g. thermo-elasto-viscoplastic behavior) for multiphase geomaterials (mining residues, permafrost, etc.),
advanced in-house calculation codes (finite element method (FEM), boundary element method (BEM), spectral element method (SEM), physical neural networks (PINN), etc.) for advanced simulation of geo infrastructures under complex loads in a multidisciplinary conText. risks (climate change, earthquakes, etc.),
multi-source data processing methods (telemetry, climate stations, geophysical stations, etc.) and data fusion based on artificial intelligence (AI) for climate data uncertainty analysis,
advanced geophysical methods and the Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring of (ge)infrastructures, such as soft sensors,
AI-based algorithms for the detection, monitoring and 4D modeling of geo-infrastructures and high resolution natural environments using satellite imagery (e.g. In-Sar),
inverse methods for characterizing the thermo-hydro-mechanical parameters of geomaterials,
the implementation of early warning systems for the predictive management of (ge)infrastructures in the context of climate change in a platform of increased/virtual reality by integrating the elements mentioned above.

In this line of research, we are developing:

bio-inspired self-burial technologies (compact automated robotic tools) for mineral resource exploration and underground geophysical/geotechnical/geochemical investigation on Earth and the Moon,
multisource virtual sensors (Raman spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, laser-induced atomic emission spectroscopy (LIBS), etc.) for intelligent exploration of critical mines and soil monitoring,
advanced geophysical methods for monitoring industrial heap leach mining processes for the extraction of critical ores and precious metals (copper, uranium and other compounds),
the valorization of mining waste (mining residues) in geology plants as part of Con-struction 4.0.

In this area, we are developing :

new processes based on the nature and use of resources and microbes in situ, such as nanobiotechnology processes, for stabilizing permafrost degraded by climate change, and for mining residues.
new nature-based process for clay stabilization from the Champlain Sea to Quebec. 3. new nature-based processes for stabilizing mine tailings.
Beton-geosynthetic inclusion technology for the reduction of gas emissions from permafrost and mine tailings (CO2, CH4, radon, etc.).

In this area, we are developing :

microfluidic platforms to study the impact of microbial activity and autotrophic and heterotrophic respiration on the emission of greenhouse gasses from permafrost.
advanced thermo-hydro-bio-geochemical numerical models to study the impact of climate change and atmosphere-soil-vegetation-microbial community interaction on greenhouse gas emissions from permafrost.
physical models to study the impact of boreal forest on carbon fixation in northern regions.

In this line of research, we are developing :

advanced non-invasive methods for assessing the structural conditions of piles in existing infrastructures at the end of their service life, with a view to their re-use in new construction projects.
advanced non-invasive methods for structural health monitoring (SHS) of prestressed concrete slabs.
advanced processes to recycle mine tailings and in situ resources in the manufacture of geopolymer for 3D printing of modular structural panels (adjustable building bricks).
advanced algorithms for the application of robotic arms for the automatic positioning of adjustable bricks in construction projects.
advanced algorithms for the application of augmented/virtual reality technologies in engineering projects.

In this area of research, we are developing :

geotechnical and structural paradigms for the design, implementation and operation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in Northern Canada.
poromechanical models to study the environmental impact of small modular reactors on the integrity and biodiversity of permafrost.
geotechnical and structural paradigms for the design, implementation and operation of heat islands in urban regions.

In this line of research, we are developing :

advanced geophysical and geomechanical methods to detect and quantify the volume of water ice in the Moon’s subsurface layers (lunar permafrost).
advanced processes for space exploration and mining, and the use of in situ resources on the Moon. 3. design and construction schemes for the establishment of lunar bases.
a bioinspire robotic system for intelligent drilling and prospecting for minerals on the Moon.
Construction 4.0 on the Moon.