Laboratory of Experimental Rock Mechanics LEMR

The Laboratory of Experimental Rock Mechanics (LEMR) at EPFL, under the direction of Prof. Marie Violay, belongs to the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC).

The LEMR conducts research on the mechanical behaviour, physical and fluid transport properties of rock materials at sub-surface conditions. This is accomplished by means of experimental research coupled with microstructural studies of the micro-scale processes, and modelling of these processes.

The LEMR provides research, teaching and services related to rock mechanics, rock physics, and engineering geomechanics.

 

Latest publications

Frictional weakening leads to unconventional singularities during dynamic rupture propagation

F. Paglialunga; F. Passelègue; M. Lebihain; M. Violay 

Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 2024. Vol. 626, p. 118550. DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2023.118550.

A new high-pressure high-temperature deformation apparatus to study the brittle to ductile transition in rocks

G. G. Meyer; M. Acosta; H. Leclere; L. Morier; M. Teuscher et al. 

Review Of Scientific Instruments. 2023-04-01. Vol. 94, num. 4, p. 043903. DOI : 10.1063/5.0135947.

Single-Well Pore Pressure Preconditioning for Enhanced Geothermal System Stimulation

B. Fryer; M. Lebihain; M. Violay 

Journal Of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth. 2023-03-01. Vol. 128, num. 3, p. e2022JB025443. DOI : 10.1029/2022JB025443.

 

Latest presentations

Investigating the nucleation of laboratory ruptures and the dependence with loading rate and geometrical heterogeneities

S. Guérin-Marthe; M. Violay 

ISTerre seminar, Chambéry, April 5, 2023.

The role of loading path on fault reactivation: a laboratory perspective

C. Giorgetti; M. Violay; C. Collettini 

EGU 2023, Vienna, April 23-28, 2023.

Effect of stress biaxiality on fracture energy and microstructures of tensile cracks

A. Guggisberg; M. Lebihain; J. Moore; M. Violay 

EGU 2023, Vienna, April 23-28, 2023.