ISRM Commission on Bio-Rock Mechanics

Commission Members

The Commission on bio-rock mechanics seeks to determine the mechanical behaviours and properties of various rocks formed or weathered by microbial metabolic reactions. Therefore, it would be desirable for the commission to be composed of experts in rock mechanics, applied geology, geomicrobiology, and geochemistry, as well as experts who can evaluate these rock materials from the micro- and nano-scale domains. Although it is anticipated that the number of members would increase in due time, the Commission is composed of seven diverse researchers, including one female member, from Japan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and France. Representing a range of age groups, they bring expertise in bio-mediated geotechnics, geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, rock mechanics, geoenvironmental engineering, and image-based modelling. Each member has a profound understanding of the Commission’s objectives and is committed to making significant contributions. The founding members are as follows, with their areas of expertise:
  • Chair:
    • Prof. Dr. Hitoshi Matsubara
      University of the Ryukyus, JAPAN

      Research area:
      Bio-Rock Mechanics, Biogeotechnics, Environmental geotechnics, Engineering geology
  • Members
    • Dr. Sivakumar Gowthaman
      University of Jaffna, SRI LANKA / Kyushu University, JAPAN

      Research area:
      Bio-mediated geotechnics, Geotechnical engineering
    • Prof. Dr. Halil Kumsar
      Pamukkale University, TÜRKİYE

      Research area:
      Engineering geology
    • Prof. Dr. Nazli Tunar Özcan
      Hacettepe University, TÜRKİYE

      Research area:
      Engineering geology
    • Dr. Daisuke Asahina
      Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, JAPAN

      Research area:
      Rock mechanics, Rock engineering
    • Prof. Dr. Toshifumi Mukunoki
      Kumamoto University, JAPAN

      Research area:
      Geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, Image-based modelling
    • Dr. Nicolas Lenoir
      University of Grenoble Alpes, FRANCE
      Research area:
      3D imaging for geoscience and material science