Geotechnics, Earthquakes and Structures (GES)
We push the boundaries to understand how ground, foundations and structures respond to everyday demands, extreme events and a changing climate to build the infrastructure of tomorrow.
Three disciplines, one group
GES brings together Bristol's expertise in geotechnical, earthquake and structural engineering. Our research group reflects the three pillars of our research identity, and the conviction that the biggest challenges in infrastructure resilience live at their intersection.
Geotechnics
Ground behaviour, foundations and soil-structure interaction: from the micromechanics of soils to prototype-scale foundation testing.
Earthquakes
Seismic resilience, dynamic analysis and hazard mitigation: protecting communities and critical infrastructure from earthquakes and cascading hazards.
Structures
Design innovation, performance assessment and infrastructure integrity: conventional and new materials, monitoring and methods for structures that last.
GES in numbers
- 15+
Academics
- 20+
PhD students
- 60+
PhD graduates
- 4
Specialist laboratories
Quote
"GES honours where we have been while positioning us for where we are going: a group defined by its core engineering disciplines, amplified by digital methods, and built around unique national facilities."
Test at prototype scale
The group hosts the UKCRIC Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction (SoFSI) laboratory and the EQUALS earthquake simulator, a combination of shaking tables, a large soil pit and strong floors unmatched in the UK.
facilities
SoFSI shaking table
Biaxial testing of full structural systems, including their foundations and surrounding soil.
- Platform: 6 m × 4 m
- Payload: 50 t
- Peak acceleration: 2 g
SoFSI soil pit and strong floor
Large-scale foundation and soil-structure interaction testing under static and dynamic loading.
- Pit: 6 m × 5 m × 4 m deep
- Actuators: 3 × 1 MN
- Max stroke: 1000 mm
Explore the group
What we test
From the world's first seismic tests on 3D-printed concrete to nuclear reactor cores and near-fault soil response - browse the test types designed to run on SoFSI and on EQUALS.
Commercial consultancy and testing
Seismic qualification, vibration and fatigue testing, and in-situ dynamic monitoring - delivered through BEELAB, the University of Bristol's commercial engineering testing service.
Our people - meet the team
A community of academics, researchers, students and technical specialists spanning Geotechnical, Earthquake and Structural engineering.
Our legacy - browse the PhD archive
From 1964 to today: more than 115 research degrees tracing the evolution of geotechnical, earthquake and structural engineering at Bristol.
Work with us
From feasibility studies and seismic qualification testing to joint research bids and consultancy, we work with industry, government and academic partners across the world. Tell us about your challenge and we will help you find the right pathway.