GAIA Second Workshop (GAIA 2026)
Geomechanics Alliance in Asia (GAIA) aims to provide a platform for young researchers and graduate students in geomechanics and geotechnical engineering across Asia to exchange ideas and foster collaboration. The annual GAIA Workshop serves as the main channel for communication and interaction.
The second workshop, GAIA 2026, will be hosted by Shandong University and is scheduled to take place from 27 to 30 March 2026 in Jinan, Shandong Province, China. The main theme is Advances in Micro–Macro Geomechanics, covering key topics in geotechnical engineering such as particle-scale effects, micro–macro constitutive relationships, multiphase and multi-physics coupling, multiscale experimental and monitoring techniques, and multiscale numerical modeling methods.
To ensure high-quality discussions and interactions, the workshop will be limited to approximately 150 participants.
Keynote Speakers
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Report Title:Study of Vortex-Inspired Tip Penetration in Granular Mediaa
Prof. James David Frost
Georgia Institute of Technology
Prof J. David Frost is the current Chair of the US NSF funded Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association that coordinates geotechnical responses to natural and man-made disaster worldwide.
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Report Title:Challenges in Bridging Micro and Macro Multiphysics for Granular Media
Prof. Jidong Zhao
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Prof Jidong Zhao is on the editorial board for Computers and Geotechnics. He serves as the TC103 Numerical Methods in Geomechanics and a committee member of TC105 Micromechanics of ISSMGE.
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Report Title:Soil Desiccation cracking：phenomenon and mechanism
Prof. Chao-Sheng Tang
Nanjing University
Chao-sheng Tang is a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars and its follow-up funding, as well as the Excellent Young Scientists Fund. He currently serves as Secretary-General of the International Society for Environmental Geotechnology.
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Report Title:Macro scale mechanical characteristics of an intact sand and its micro scale origin
Prof. Rui Wang
Tsinghua University
wangrui_05@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn
Rui Wang is a recipient of the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars and the Excellent Young Scientists Fund. Wang serves as Secretary-General and Council Member of the Chinese Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.
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Report Title: Future of Geomechanics: Fundamentals and Applications
Prof. Takashi Matsushima
University of Tsukuba
Takashi Matsushima is internationally recognized for solid earth and planetary physics, and unsaturated soils. He is an active member of the International Union of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (IUTAM).
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Report Title:Toward Predictive Simulation of Soil–Object Interaction
Prof. Jinhyun Choo
Seoul National University
Jinhyun Choo focuses on understanding, simulation, prediction of the mechanics and multiphysics of geomaterials and their interactions with natural and engineered systems. He is a core member of the ISSMGE Technical Committee on Geomechanics from Micro to Macro.
Dates
- March. 27, 2026 Workshop on-site registration starts
- March. 28, 2026 The first official day of the workshop, Gala dinner, Poster session
- March. 29, 2026 The second official day of the workshop, Award ceremony
- March. 30, 2026 Construction site visit (optional)
Workshop Framework
- Maximum participants: 150(registration is limited to 150 participants. Once this number is reached, registration will be closed. )
- Language: English
- Presentation: Mainly from young researchers and students
- Presentation Time per Person: 20 min(including discussion)
Poster Sessions
Please refer to the workshop schedule for the detailed conference timetable. Participants are required to prepare an electronic file of their academic poster in a 1:2 aspect ratio, clearly presenting the research topic, main content, and key conclusions. The organizer will arrange centralized poster printing, and the electronic poster file should be sent to the conference email address by March 20, 2026. Before the poster session begins, on-site staff will contact you and guide you to the designated location.
Since the number of participants for the Poster Session has not yet been finalized, there is a possibility that it may exceed the venue's capacity. In the event of such a scenario, the organizing committee will screen the submitted materials based on academic innovation and thematic relevance. If this process results in some individuals being unable to participate in this Poster Session, we will promptly inform you of the outcome via email. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding and support.
We look forward to your wonderful presentations!
Registration
Online registration will officially start on October 6, 2025
Tentative Timetable
This may change depending on the follow-up arrangements for this workshop.
Venue
SHUNGENG HILLVIEW HOTEL (舜耕山庄) http://www.shungeng.cn/
Address: No. 28 Shungeng Road, Jinan City, Shandong Province - 山东省济南市舜耕路28号
Tel: +86 0531 82951818
Access
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flightFromstraighten39.2km
flightJinan Yaoqiang International Airport
local_taxiTAXI¥ 90 CNY schedule00:39directions_busPT -
trainFromstraighten6.9km
flightJinan Railway Station
local_taxiTAXI¥ 20 CNY schedule00:19directions_busPT -
trainFromstraighten16.7km
flightJinanxi Railway Station
local_taxiTAXI¥ 40 CNY schedule00:34directions_busPT -
trainFromstraighten25.1km
flightJinandong Railway Station
local_taxiTAXI¥ 60 CNY schedule00:38directions_busPT -
trainFromstraighten8.3km
flightDaminghu Railway Station
local_taxiTAXI¥ 20 CNY schedule00:18directions_busPT -
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