News
The Rockmech research group of the Politecnico di Torino operates in the field of rock mechanics and rock engineering, with the aim of developing knowledge and innovative solutions for the study and design of underground infrastructures and natural environments.
The group’s activities cover a wide range of scientific and applied topics, including the geomechanical characterization of rock materials through laboratory and in situ testing, the development of advanced numerical models, and the analysis of slope stability and landslide phenomena. Particular attention is also devoted to the geotechnical monitoring using innovative techniques such as ground-based radar interferometry and advanced sensing systems.
A central research area is tunnelling and microtunnelling, focusing on the design, construction, and behaviour of shallow and deep tunnels. In this context, the group is also recognized for developing sustainable solutions related to energy geostructures, where underground infrastructures such as tunnels and retaining structures are used for geothermal energy production and exchange.
The team is actively involved in numerous national and international research projects, often in collaboration with academic and industrial partners, contributing to the development of innovative technologies for infrastructure resilience and the energy transition. Recent research lines include the energy use of existing tunnels, the adaptation of infrastructure to climate change, and the mitigation of natural hazards in alpine environments. Composed of faculty members, researchers, and PhD students, the Rockmech Polito group represents an internationally recognized reference in the field of rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering, integrating fundamental research, advanced experimentation, and engineering applications aimed at sustainability and safety.
NEWS
Il progetto Tun.Re.Fit. premiato agli ITA Awards 2025
Un tunnel che produce energia e migliora la sicurezza stradale: è l’innovazione del Politecnico premiata agli ITA Awards 2025. Il progetto Tun.Re.Fit., sviluppato dal team del Dipartimento di Ingegneria Strutturale, Edile e Geotecnica-DISEG (Marco Barla, Simone De Feudis e Alessandra Insana), ha ottenuto il secondo posto nella categoria Technical Innovation of the Year.
L'articolo di Poliflash: https://www.polito.it/ateneo/comunicazione-e-ufficio-stampa/poliflash/il-progetto-tunrefit-premiato-agli-ita-awards-2025
Il video che descrive l'innovazione: https://youtu.be/z5ve0IVz_kU
La geotermia che non ti aspetti a Solar Solutions Torino
Infrastrutture urbane come fonti energetiche: la geotermia che non ti aspetti. Le innovazioni del Politecnico di Torino a Solar Solutions Torino, il nuovo Summit dedicato alle Rinnovabili nel Nord Italia. Il seminario di Marco Barla si terrà il 1 ottobre alle 14.50 a Lingotto Fiere. Iscriviti qui per ottenere un biglietto gratuito: https://invt.io/1fxbqb5dmg5
Eurock 2025 in Trondheim
From June 16 to 20, our team took part in EUROCK 2025 (ISRM) in Trondheim (Norway) — one of the most important international conferences in the field of rock mechanics and engineering!
Marco Barla delivered a Keynote Lecture , titled "The design of energy tunnels for a sustainable future", offering a forward-thinking perspective on the role of energy tunnels as sustainable infrastructure.
Our researcher Maria Lia Napoli contributed with the study "Validation of the rockfall SIF and SAI indexes by a 3D analysis of a rock slope in Valsesia Valley (Italy)", using 3D modeling to validate predictive indexes on a real slope.
Lorenzo Milan discussed "A rational method for assessing the occurrence of brittle failure in deep tunnels", proposing a rational and predictive approach to brittle behavior in deep tunnel environments.
Giulia Torsello presented her experimental research on "Mode I fracture toughness of a low-porosity rock subjected to freeze-thaw cycles", addressing durability issues in cold climate conditions.
Maria Teresa Carriero presented her work "Estimation of the Failure Probability of Attenuator Rockfall Protection Structures Using a Reliability Analysis Approach (RBD) and Kriging Metamodel", combining advanced reliability analysis and metamodeling for rockfall protection design.
On top of the scientific program, Maria Teresa and Giulia Torsello took part in the RockBowl, an international competition that challenges young researchers with both technical and non-technical questions on rock mechanics and engineering. With the support of Maria Rita Migliazza as their faculty tutor, they achieved a fantastic second place!
Maria Teresa was awarded Best Player, while Giulia received the Best Paper – Young Category award for the scientific excellence of her work.
Swipe through to relive the highlights: presentations, discussions, and all the energy of a passionate geotechnical research team!
