The research plan focuses on incorporating fundamental knowledge in micromechanics of granular media acquired through basic research into new or improved engineering solutions and design methodologies. The plan involves the study of the arching mechanism of load transfer in discrete materials. This mechanism can take place within a large field or on interaction with a solid body. Once understood and analyzed, the formulation of this mechanism can assist in solving numerous engineering problems of granular material/structure interaction where empirical and/or simplified solutions are currently employed.
