My research focuses on ground engineering, rock characterisation, and underground excavation in mining, tunnelling, and subsurface infrastructure. My work links advanced laboratory methods, field investigations, digital tools, and industry experience to improve safety, ground assessment, excavation performance, and support design.

My research activities are grouped into four main areas:

Digital Rock Physics
This research area involves the use of micro-CT imaging, 3D image analysis, and numerical modelling to characterise the internal structure and behaviour of rocks and engineered materials. Applications include fracture detection, pore network analysis, permeability estimation, damage assessment, and the study of fluid flow through complex porous and fractured media.

Underground Mine Geomechanics and Ground Support
This area focuses on the behaviour of underground excavations and the performance of ground support systems. Key topics include floor heave, rock mass deformation, rock bolt and cable bolt performance, reinforcement failure mechanisms, and ground stability in underground mines. The research supports safer excavation design and more reliable ground control practices.

Mechanised Tunnelling
This research area focuses on excavation performance in mechanised tunnelling, including tunnel boring (TBM) machines and roadheaders. It develops models to predict machine performance under different ground conditions and examines overall tunnelling efficiency, machine utilisation, and construction delays. It also covers ground condition assessment, excavation response, geological interpretation, support selection, and risk management during tunnel construction.

Ground Characterisation and Field Investigations
This area focuses on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of geological and geotechnical data for mining and tunnelling projects. Activities include face mapping, borehole logging, borehole imaging, geophysical data interpretation, laboratory testing, site investigation, and geotechnical data analysis. A growing focus is the development of digital and automated methods for ground assessment, including automated face mapping, borehole photogrammetry, and real-time interpretation tools.

Together, these research areas support practical decision-making in mining, tunnelling, and underground infrastructure by reducing uncertainty, improving ground support design, and helping industry manage complex ground conditions.