GeoProc2008 collects the proceedings of the International Conference on Coupled T-H-M-C (thermal, hydraulic, mechanical, chemical) Processes in Geosystems.

Among the most important and exciting current steps forward in geo-engineering is the development of coupled numerical models. They represent the basic physics of geo-engineering processes which can include the effects of heat, water, mechanics and chemistry. Such models provide an integrating focus for the wide range of geo-engineering disciplines. The articles within this volume were originally presented at the inaugural GeoProc conference held in Stockholm and contain a collection of unusually high quality information not available elsewhere in an edited and coherent form. This collection not only benefits from the latest theoretical developments but also applies them to a number of practical and wide ranging applications. Examples include the environmental issues around radioactive waste disposal deep in rock, and the search for new reserves of oil and gas.

This book presents contributions to the 9th International Workshop on Bifurcation and Degradation in Geomaterials held in Porquerolles, France, May 23-26, 2011. This series of conferences, started in the early 1980s, is dedicated to the research on degradation and instability phenomena in geomaterials. The volume gathers a series of manuscripts by brilliant international scholars reflecting recent trends in theoretical and experimental research in geomechanics. It incorporates contributions on topics like instability analysis, localized and diffuse failure description, multi-scale modeling and applications to geo-environmental issues. This book will be valuable for anyone interested in the research on degradation and instabilities in geomechanics and geotechnical engineering, appealing to graduate students, researchers and engineers alike.

Dams and their auxiliary structures are built to provide water for human consumption, irrigating lands, generating hydroelectric power, and use in industrial processes. They are critical structures for continuing life and providing public safety. Construction of a dam is a complicated task that requires sophisticated modern technology and technical expertise. Scientists need to review and adjust their perspectives on designing embankments and their related structures, and compaction and consolidation of fill material, behavior of concrete materials, geotechnical and seismological studies of the dam site, total risk analysis, safety monitoring and instrumentation, heightening, hydrological studies, soil conservation, and watershed management. This book intends to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of the latest information in dam engineering.

The book includes different contributions that cover interdisciplinary research in the areas of · Error controlled numerical methods, efficient algorithms and software development · Elastic and in elastic deformation processes · Models with multiscales and multi-physics “High Performance” adaptive numerical methods using finite elements (FEM) and boundary elements (BEM) are described as well as efficient solvers for linear systems and corresponding software components for non-linear, coupled field equations of various branches of mechanics, electromagnetics, and geosciences.