History of the GRC
The Geotechnical Research Centre (GRC) was established for the purpose of conducting geotechnical and related interdisciplinary research with emphasis on interacting with industry. The Soil Mechanics Section of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, from which the GRC was evolved, was started in 1965. L.G. Soderman formed one of the first Soil Mechanics Sections in Canada at Western University. The GRC emerged from this pioneering group in 1985.
The founding members of the GRC include: K.Y. Lo, M.N. Novak, R.M. Quigley and R.K. Rowe. This group envisioned a dynamic multidisciplinary collection of engineering researchers, scientists and engineers capable of interfacing with industry to solve problems of practical importance for both industry and government.
Today, the GRC has outstanding state-of-the-art research facilities, dedicated technical and administrative staff, and nine active core faculty members whose expertise spans a broad spectrum of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. In addition to grant supported research, graduate student training, short courses for professional engineers and research publications, the GRC also offers highly specialized contract research and services in the following areas:
- Stability of soil and rock slopes
- Soft ground tunneling and tunnels in rock
- Contaminant transport through soil and fractured rock
- Soil and foundation dynamics
- Static and dynamic soil-structure interaction analysis
- Mineralogical and geotechnical characterization
- Foundation engineering
- Stability analysis of concrete and earth fill dams
- Soil remediation and site restoration
- Groundwater and geochemical modeling
- Groundwater and surface water interactions
Western Engineering Strategic Plan
Mission:
Western Engineering creates, disseminates and applies knowledge for the benefit of society through
excellence in teaching, research and scholarship. Our graduates will be global citizens whose education and leadership will serve the public good.
Vision:
Western Engineering will be a destination of choice for the world’s brightest minds seeking the best learning
experience at a leading Canadian research university.
Research Impact:
Making an impact on complex global problems requires a diversity of skills, ideas and talents. In order to address the need for more interdisciplinary and collaborative research, Western Engineering will look for opportunities to foster groups of researchers who work together within the Faculty, across Western University’s campus, as well as with national and international partners.
