Research strategy
Laboratoire Navier’s scientific activity focuses on five themes: Innovative construction materials and structures, safety and durability of structures, transportation infrastructures, underground storage, Environment. The energy transition demands better design of the materials, structures, and infrastructures used in construction and civil engineering.
The aim is to move towards sustainable use of natural resources, in the light of environmental constraints (pollution, greenhouse effect,…). There is also a need to extend the lifespan of existing structures by repairing them, understanding ageing factors, and protecting them from natural risks. The laboratory is also heavily involved in problems relating to the environment (oil wells decontamination and sealing,…) and to underground storage (nuclear waste, CO2,…).
NAVIER: “A flagship unit in the fields of mechanics of solids and in geomechanics” (AERES Report, 2014)
Research positioning
Laboratoire NAVIER develops basic research on the mechanics and physics of materials, structures, and geomaterials, and their applications to geotechnics, civil engineering, geophysics, and the oil industry. In the development of the mechanical and physical laws relating to these topics, the studies undertaken are both empirical and theoretical. While maintaining a balance between academic excellence and economic utility, Laboratoire Navier is extensively involved in research partnerships, in both the public and private sectors. In particular, it supports or is a partner in seven teaching and/or research chairs, with public and private industrial partners. Another of the laboratory’s big strengths is its strong involvement in teaching, especially at École nationale des ponts et chaussées. It has also developed relations with other components of IFSTTAR (French institute of science and technology for transport, spatial planning, development and networks) in order to explore a wide range of basic research originating in practical applications of high social utility.
Director: Jean Sulem
Oversight: École nationale des ponts et chaussées, IFSTTAR, CNRS (UMR8205)