CEE Seminar - Smart Geomechanics

Geomechanics is a branch of engineering and geosciences that studies the mechanical behavior of the subsurface in response to natural forces and human activities. The subsurface is inherently complex and difficult to observe, making geomechanical problems challenging to analyze both theoretically and computationally. These challenges impact engineering applications, limiting the scope of what is achievable. However, recent advancements in control theory and artificial intelligence (AI) are providing new avenues for studying and managing subsurface behavior.

In this talk, I will present recent advances that integrate nonlinear control theory and AI in geomechanics. In particular, I will focus on the behavior of natural and anthropogenic seismic faults, which are responsible for both natural and human-induced seismicity. Novel mathematical results [1-3,8] demonstrate how it is possible to stabilize a fault system and induce slow, aseismic slip with a predetermined velocity profile, even in the absence of detailed underground information. In other words, it is mathematically shown that earthquakes can, in theory, be prevented. These theoretical findings are supported by numerical simulations and laboratory-scale analogue experiments [4].

Going further, I will discuss how these insights can be applied to control human-induced seismicity in large reservoirs, potentially unlocking the Earth's remarkable potential for sustainable energy production and underground energy storage [5-8]. Finally, I will highlight current progress and challenges in smart geomechanics, including real-time subsurface monitoring, optimal placement of actuators and sensors, and the development of digital twins for computational modeling. These advancements bring us closer to a future where we can actively manage and optimize subsurface behavior in real time.