J. Carlos Santamarina

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About

J. Carlos Santamarina is a leading figure in geotechnical engineering, with a research focus that spans soil behavior, energy geotechnics, and the application of advanced sensing technologies to characterize subsurface environments. His major contributions include pioneering the use of geotechnical centrifuges for earthquake engineering research, notably through his work on the NEES facility at UC Davis—a 9.1-meter radius centrifuge equipped with a servo-hydraulic shaking table that has been instrumental in seismic studies since 1994. Santamarina also developed the electrical resistivity needle probe, a high-resolution tool for assessing soil spatial variability in centrifuge models, capable of detecting thin layers and sharp interfaces. This innovation, detailed in his 2005 paper, has advanced the precision of geotechnical testing. While his most-cited works have accumulated over 20 citations, his broader impact is reflected in his leadership at the Center for Geotechnical Modeling and his contributions to energy geotechnics, including gas hydrates and CO2 sequestration. Santamarina’s work bridges fundamental soil science with practical engineering solutions, making him a key resource for students and researchers exploring subsurface characterization and geotechnical hazard mitigation.