The Institute is renowned for research and teaching regarding hydrological and hydraulics processes and methods, including management of water, debris and sediment within a drainage area. State-of-the-art numerical computational procedures and physical model tests in prototype investigations, including model validation and data analysis techniques (within the renowned hydraulic laboratory facilities) are utilized. In R&D risk analysis methods for floods and other natural hazards, and selection criteria for implementing sustainable risk mitigation measures; and disaster management strategies as well as their associated logistical requirements are applied.
The Institute has an international reputation concerning underground design and construction, with specialization in rock mass characterization, the influence of geological conditions on ground behavior in underground construction, development of risk oriented design procedures, geotechnical monitoring and data interpretation techniques, and tunnel construction in poor ground with high overburden. Applied research activities are facilitated by state-of-the-art laboratory and computational facilities, and close cooperation with the engineering and construction industries ensures a smooth transition of research results into engineering practice.
The Institute is recognized internationally for its practically oriented research concerning monitoring and support of slopes and landslides, soil improvement techniques, and numerical analysis in geotechnical engineering (including anisotropic and strain-softening constitutive models and unsaturated soil mechanics). Ongoing research topics include response of soils improved with stone columns to earthquake loading, and experimental investigations on the behavior of lacustrine deposits. A fully equipped soil mechanics laboratory is available for performing experimental research and for fulfilling industrial needs.