Geotechnical engineering

The geotechnical engineering program at the University of Nevada, Reno has evolved over a period of years, which is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of its well-respected faculty members. By emphasizing a few selected topics the faculty has been able to remain vibrant and at the forefront of geotechnical engineering research and education. Geotechnical engineering faculty collaborate closely with faculty focusing on pavements and structures engineering as well as with faculty in the University's Mackay School of Mines and Engineering.

Over the years, the research focus has been in the following areas:

- Behavior of deep foundations and retaining structures under static and seismic conditions
- Assessment of vehicle-pavement interaction
- Soil liquefaction and remedial techniques

Distinguished seminar series

We're pleased to announce a dedicated seminar series in geotechnical engineering, bringing distinguished speakers to campus to address the state of the art in our field. New details about the 2021 seminar have been added and can be found by clicking on the button below.

Labs and centers in geotechnical engineering

Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory

  • Primary contact: Ramin Motamed
  • Major focus: Complex stress path testing with feedback of soils under drained and undrained conditions; cyclic triaxial testing; large-scale soil model testing; flex wall permeability measurements

Faculty in geotechnical engineering

Geotechnical Engineering
Sherif Elfass
Sherif Elfass
Research Associate Professor
(775) 784-6664
EEL 216
1367
Geotechnical Engineering Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, Seismic Engineering, Shake table tests, Liquefaction, Site response analysis
Ramin Motamed
Ramin Motamed
Professor
(775) 784-6960
SEM 222
1367 Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, Seismic Engineering, Shake table tests, Liquefaction, Site response analysis
Geotechnical Engineering
Renmin Pretell
Renmin Pretell
Assistant Professor
(775) 682-5226
SEM 224
1367