

Welcome to Geotechnics!
Bridges, quay walls, dikes, and tunnels must be sustainable, economical, and safe, which requires thorough investigation of the subsoil. Geotechnical engineers are responsible for studying the nature and characteristics of the soil and predicting its behavior. This building is home to both the Geotechnics Division of the Flemish Government and the UGent Laboratory of Geotechnics, dedicated to research and education in soil mechanics.

Flemish Government: Geotechnics Division
The Geotechnics Division is the knowledge center for geotechnics, supporting construction projects across Flanders since 1939. The division studies the characteristics of the subsoil, as it determines what is possible above ground. By conducting geotechnical tests and measurements in both field and laboratory settings, and investing in advanced technologies like online monitoring, the Geotechnics Division provides essential insights for projects of all sizes. Problems regarding bearing capacity, stability and deformation, ... of the soil are solved based on calculations using advanced models and expert judgement.
Flemish Government: Geotechnics Division
Take a Virtual Tour!
Soil can be categorized into different types, such as gravel, sand, silt, clay and peat. For example, clay is much less permeable and more compressible than sand. We analyze all these soil types in our laboratory. Curious to see what the lab looks like? Take the virtual tour and have a look!

LABO GEOTECHNICS

LABO GEOTECHNICS

LABO GEOTECHNICS

LABO GEOTECHNICS
LABO GEOTECHNICS

LABO GEOTECHNICS

LABO GEOTECHNICS
Welcome to the Geotechnics Laboratory UGent!
Here at our lab, we’re passionate about digging deep into the science of soil! Our team of expert researchers tackles everything from offshore foundations to soil remediation technologies. Whether it's mastering the secrets of soil mechanics or pioneering solutions for tough soil conditions, we're on it. Over its more than fifty years of operation, the laboratory has expanded its research scope from foundational topics like slope stability and foundation design to advanced areas such as soil dynamics, calibration chamber testing, and environmental geotechnics.

Take a Virtual Tour!
Curious to see where UGent students learn all about soil mechanics? Want to know what a Geotechnics Laboratory looks like and what kind of equipment is used for this type of research? Whether you're a future student, PhD candidate, professor, or simply a curious visitor, take the virtual tour and explore!