LARMS 2026 · Program Book

Section 01

Welcome Messages

From the Organizing Committee, Technical Committee and CBMR

Marcos Massao Futai

Chair of the Organizing Committee

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the X Latin American Rock Mechanics Symposium (LARMS 2026), held in Brasília, Brazil, from 24 to 28 August 2026.

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I extend my sincere appreciation to all participants, speakers, authors, exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers who have contributed to making this symposium possible. Bringing together the Rock Mechanics community from across Latin America and around the world has been both a privilege and a responsibility.

LARMS 2026 has been carefully designed to provide a dynamic environment for technical exchange, scientific discussion and professional networking. The program combines keynote lectures by internationally recognized experts, technical sessions, round tables, poster presentations, specialized mini-courses and student activities, creating opportunities for learning and collaboration across academia, industry and government.

We hope that your participation in LARMS 2026 will foster new partnerships, stimulate innovative ideas and contribute to the advancement of Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering throughout our region.

We wish you an inspiring symposium and an enjoyable stay in Brasília.

Marcos Massao Futai

Chair of the Organizing Committee

Sergio A. B. da Fontoura

Chair of the Technical Committee

Dear Participants,

The Technical Committee is honored to welcome you to LARMS 2026.

Our objective has been to develop a scientific program that reflects both the current state of the art and the emerging challenges in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. The symposium brings together contributions from researchers and practitioners representing universities, research institutions, consulting companies and the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors.

The technical program addresses a broad range of topics, including underground excavations, tunnelling, rock slopes, numerical modelling, artificial intelligence, geomechanical monitoring, carbon capture and storage, energy transition and sustainable mining. These themes demonstrate the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of our profession and its growing importance in addressing global engineering challenges.

We gratefully acknowledge the dedication of the authors, reviewers, session chairs and invited speakers whose commitment has ensured the high scientific quality of this symposium.

We hope that the discussions throughout the conference will encourage collaboration, inspire new research and strengthen the international Rock Mechanics community.

Sergio A. B. da Fontoura

Chair of the Technical Committee

Talita Caroline Miranda

Chairperson of the CBMR

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

On behalf of the Brazilian Committee for Rock Mechanics (CBMR), it is my great pleasure to welcome you to LARMS 2026.

Hosting the Latin American Rock Mechanics Symposium in Brazil is both an honor and an opportunity to reinforce the strong technical and scientific collaboration that has long characterized our region. The symposium reflects the commitment of the Brazilian Rock Mechanics community to promoting excellence in research, engineering practice and professional development.

In addition to its comprehensive technical program, LARMS 2026 encourages interaction among professionals, researchers and students through mini-courses, round tables, poster sessions and the RockBowl competition, creating an environment that supports innovation, knowledge exchange and the development of future leaders in our discipline.

The CBMR sincerely thanks the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM), the Organizing and Technical Committees, our institutional partners, sponsors, exhibitors and every participant whose contribution has made this symposium possible.

We wish you a productive conference, stimulating discussions and an unforgettable experience in Brasília.

Talita Caroline Miranda

Chairperson of the Brazilian Committee for Rock Mechanics (CBMR)

Section 02

Committees

Organizing, Technical, Advisory and Treasury

Organizing Committee

Marcos Massao Futai
Chair
Sergio A. B. da Fontoura
Chair · Technical Comm.
Talita Caroline Miranda
Chair · CBMR

Technical Committee

Sergio A. B. da Fontoura
Chair

Advisory Committee

International experts advising the symposium

Seokwon Jeon

ISRM President · Seoul National University

Luís Lamas

LNEC, Portugal

Fengshou Zhang

Tongji University

Milorad Jovanovski

North Macedonia

Kiyoshi Kishida

Martin Grenon

Esteban Hormazábal

SRK / University of Chile

Muriel Gasc-Barbier

Qianbing Zhang

Ki-Bok Min

Jannie Maritz

Treasury

AS
Allícia Sthel S. de Oliveira
CZ
Cristiano Zandoná dos Santos

Section 03

About LARMS

History, objectives and venue

History

The Latin American Rock Mechanics Symposium (LARMS) is the official regional symposium of the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM) in Latin America. Established to promote scientific and technical exchange among researchers, engineers and industry professionals, LARMS has become one of the most important rock mechanics events in the region.

The symposium provides a forum for presenting recent advances in rock mechanics and rock engineering, fostering collaboration between academia and industry, and encouraging the development of innovative solutions to challenges in mining, underground construction, energy, infrastructure and environmental engineering.

The 2026 edition, hosted in Brasília, Brazil, brings together participants from around the world for three days of technical discussions, keynote lectures, round tables, parallel technical sessions, poster presentations, mini-courses and student activities, reinforcing the international character of the symposium.

Objectives

LARMS 2026 aims to:

▸Promote scientific and technological advances in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.
▸Encourage collaboration between academia, industry and government.
▸Provide an international forum for presenting innovative research and engineering practice.
▸Discuss emerging challenges related to mining, underground infrastructure, energy transition and sustainability.
▸Foster the exchange of knowledge between experienced professionals and the next generation of engineers and researchers.
▸Strengthen cooperation among Latin American countries and the global rock mechanics community.

location_city

Brasília

Capital of Brazil, UNESCO World Heritage Site, internationally recognized for its modernist architecture.

business

CICB

Brasília International Convention Center — one of the largest convention centers in Brazil.

event_available

Facilities

Modern auditoriums, exhibition areas, meeting rooms and networking spaces.

Schedule · Day 01

Pre-LARMS

Monday, August 24, 2026 · Mini-Courses

Pre-LARMS Program

Mini-Courses

Monday, August 24, 2026

The Pre-LARMS Program offers participants the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in key areas of Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering before the official opening of the symposium. The mini-courses combine fundamental concepts, engineering applications and practical case studies, providing valuable training for students, researchers and practicing engineers.

08:30–12:30 Morning Session

MC7 · Conventional Tunnels: An Introduction to Key Design Aspects

Pedro França

CJC Engineering · Portuguese

This mini-course presents the main engineering principles involved in the design and construction of conventional tunnels and large-diameter shafts. Participants will explore NATM principles, geological and geotechnical investigations, excavation methods, groundwater control, support systems, instrumentation, waterproofing, tunnel linings, construction monitoring and risk assessment associated with underground works.

08:30–12:30 Morning Session

MC9 · Fundamentals of Rock Mechanics

Talita Caroline Miranda

Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) / CBMR · Portuguese

This introductory course provides a comprehensive overview of Rock Mechanics fundamentals. Topics include geological and mechanical properties of rocks, laboratory testing, rock mass characterization, strength criteria, in situ stresses, failure mechanisms, geomechanical classification systems (RMR, Q and GSI), and practical applications in mining, tunnelling, rock slopes and rock foundations.

13:30–17:30 Afternoon Session

MC14 · Fundamentals of Rock Slope Stability

Tarcísio Celestino

Themag Engenharia

This course introduces the fundamental concepts governing rock slope stability, including geological controls, structural discontinuities, planar, wedge and toppling failures, stereographic projection techniques, numerical analysis methods and reinforcement systems commonly adopted in rock engineering projects.

Schedule · Day 02

Full-Day Mini-Course

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Pre-LARMS Program

Full-Day Mini-Course

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

08:00–09:00 Registration

Participant registration and badge collection.

09:00–18:00 Full-Day Course

MC19 · Guidelines Towards Performance-Based Design in Mining Operations

Carla Carrapatoso & Cortney Palleske

RockEng

Performance-Based Design (PBD) has become one of the most important methodologies for optimizing mine design and operational ground control. This full-day course presents the principles and practical implementation of PBD in underground mining operations, integrating geomechanical characterization, monitoring systems, infrastructure management, ground support design, stope optimization, blasting geomechanics and multi-scale pit slope design. The course concludes with best practices and an open technical discussion based on real case studies.

Schedule · Day 03

Opening Day

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Symposium Opening

Opening Day

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

The opening day of LARMS 2026 marks the beginning of three days of technical discussions, bringing together leading researchers and professionals from academia and industry. The program features the Opening Ceremony, keynote lectures, thematic round tables, parallel technical sessions, poster presentations and the opening rounds of the RockBowl competition.

08:00–09:00 Registration

Participant registration and badge collection.

09:00–09:30 Opening Ceremony

Official Opening of LARMS 2026

Welcoming participants and presenting the symposium objectives.

09:30–10:15 Keynote Lecture

Rock Mechanics Challenges in the Himalayas

Prof. Manchao He

State Key Laboratory for Tunnel Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), China

LARMS Main Auditorium

Coffee Break Break

11:00–12:20 Parallel Technical Sessions

11:00–12:20

LARMS 1

Slope Stability and Open Pit Geomechanics I

Studies on slope stability, rock mass characterization, in situ stress evaluation, fracture mechanics and geotechnical design for open-pit mining.

Presentations · 4 papers

11:00

Rock Mass Classification System Applicability for Ferriferous Natural Caves Stability Assessment

Mônica Alvarez Pires

11:20

Application of Discings as Indicators of In Situ Stress – Case Study for Underground Mining

Camila Broetto Milli

11:40

Thermal Fatigue and Mode I Fracture Toughness Degradation

Emilio Velloso Barroso

12:00

Application of the Q-Slope Method for Defining the Slope Angle of a Re-Grading Operation in an Open-Pit Mine

Andressa Rizzi Kuzjman Molleta

LARMS Main Auditorium

11:00–12:20

LARMS 2

Numerical Modelling in Rock Engineering I

Advances in numerical modelling: computational tools, discrete/continuum methods, constitutive modelling and integration of geotechnical and geophysical data.

Presentations · 4 papers

11:00

Geotechnical and Structural Characterization of a Basaltic Rock Mass for Slope Stability Evaluation in Southern Brazil

Lucas Rafael Norenberg Barbosa

11:20

Evaluation of a Constitutive Model for Representing the Stress-Strain Behavior of a Sienogranite

Ana Carolina Dias Baêsso

11:40

History Matching of Subsidence in the Groningen Gas Field Using a Finite Element Simulator

Antônio Maurício Nabuco Tartarini

12:00

Integrated Geotechnical and Geophysical Characterization for Stress–Strain Numerical Modelling of a Rockfill Embankment on Soft Soil

Aurélio Fernando Paiva Silva

11:00–12:20

LARMS 3

Monitoring, Instrumentation and Digital Rock Mechanics

Advances in geotechnical monitoring, laboratory instrumentation and digital technologies applied to Rock Mechanics.

Presentations · 4 papers

11:00

Development of a Blast Attenuation Law Based on Handheld Geotechnical Scanning for Underground Mines

Alisson Carvalho Santos Brasil

11:20

Laboratory Framework for Salt Creep: Design of a Triaxial Rig, Instrumentation, and a Reproducible Test Protocol

Victor Manuel Aréstegui Meléndez

11:40

Achieving Near-Full Saturation in Porous Rocks: Integrated Apparatus, Procedures, and Acceptance Criteria

Luiza Fagundes Lima Fernandes

12:00

Implementation of a Geotechnical Monitoring System in an Underground Gold Mine

Wesley Serafim Morais

12:20–13:30 Lunch Break

13:30–14:20 Round Table

Rock Mechanics for the Energy Sector: Hydrogen Storage and CO₂ Sequestration

A discussion on the growing role of Rock Mechanics in supporting the energy transition, focusing on underground hydrogen storage, carbon capture and storage (CCS), geomechanical integrity and long-term performance of geological repositories.

LARMS Main Auditorium

Moderator & Panelists

Sergio A. B. da Fontoura

Moderator · PUC-Rio

Jiangfeng Liu

Panelist · China Univ. of Mining & Technology

Luis Carlos de Sousa Junior

Panelist · Petrobras

15:00–15:30 Coffee Break

15:30–16:50 Parallel Technical Sessions

15:30–16:50

LARMS 4

Risk Assessment and Geotechnical Decision Making I

Risk assessment methodologies and geotechnical decision-making in mining operations. Integration of field data, monitoring systems, probabilistic analyses and microseismic monitoring.

Presentations · 4 papers

15:30

Influence of Porosity on the Non-Monotonic Evolution of Vp and Vs During Rock Saturation

Danúbia Germano Damaceno

15:50

Open Pit Lighthouse: Geotechnical Classification and Monitoring System for Risk Management in Open-Pit Mining

Felipe Campolina Barbosa

16:10

Probabilistic Assessment of Fault Reactivation in Deep Underground Mining

Lucy Bravo

16:30

Applications of Microseismic QA/QC: Hazard Assessment and System Calibration at the Pilar UG Mine

Selton de Oliveira Lima

15:30–16:50

LARMS 5

Soft Rock, Weak Materials and Applied Geomechanics I

Mechanical behaviour of weak rocks and geomaterials, laboratory characterization, constitutive modelling and engineering applications.

Presentations · 4 papers

15:30

Stability Challenges in Gypsum Rock Masses

Milorad Jovanovski

15:50

A Correction to the Generalized Hoek–Brown Failure Criterion and Corresponding Results

Alexandre de Lima Oliveira

16:10

Quality Control of a Secant Pile Wall in Fractured Rock

Max Barbosa

16:30

Comparison between Direct and Indirect Tensile Strength of a Syenogranite under Different Degrees of Weathering

Carolina Crissafe dos Santos Lemos

15:30–16:50

LARMS 6

Rock Mechanics Education: Challenges and Opportunities

Special Round Table on modern approaches to teaching Rock Mechanics, curriculum development, digital learning tools and industry-academia integration.

Moderator & Panelists

Tarcísio Celestino

Moderator · Themag / USP

Kimie Suzuki Morales

Panelist · Univ. of Chile / AMTC

Seokwon Jeon

Panelist · Seoul National University · ISRM President

Fengshou Zhang

Panelist · Tongji University

LARMS Main Auditorium

17:30–18:15 Keynote Lecture

The Second Generation of the Geotechnical Eurocode — Main Aspects and Inclusion of Rock Engineering

Prof. Luís Lamas

National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC), Portugal

19:00–20:30 RockBowl 2026

RockBowl · Opening Rounds

The first evening of LARMS 2026 concludes with the opening rounds of the RockBowl, bringing together university teams from different countries in an interactive competition covering Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.

Schedule · Day 04

Technical Program

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Day 2 · Technical Program

Mining, Innovation & Emerging Technologies

Thursday, August 27, 2026

The second day of LARMS 2026 focuses on the application of Rock Mechanics to mining, underground excavations and emerging technologies. The program combines a high-level technical round table, four keynote lectures, six parallel technical sessions, poster presentations and the final stages of the RockBowl competition.

08:00–09:00 Registration

09:00–10:20 Round Table

Innovation and Applications of Rock Mechanics in Mining

This round table brings together leading professionals from academia and industry to discuss recent innovations in mining geomechanics, operational challenges, digital transformation, risk management and future trends in mining engineering.

LARMS Main Auditorium

Moderator & Panelists

Teófilo Aquino

Moderator · Vale Base Metals

André Assis

Panelist · UnB, Brazil

Luis Tejada Cervantes

Panelist · Antamina, Peru

10:30–11:00 Coffee Break

11:00–12:20 Parallel Technical Sessions

11:00–12:20

LARMS 7

Deep Excavations, Underground Structures and Tunnelling

Engineering challenges of deep underground excavations, tunnelling and underground infrastructure — induced seismicity, dynamic rock behaviour and excavation technologies.

Presentations · 4 papers

11:00

Simplified Method for Probabilistic Analysis of Fault Reactivation Inducing Seismicity due to Fluid Injection in a CO₂ Storage Project

Diogo Folador Rossi

11:20

Unloading Impact Failure Mechanisms and Kinetic Energy Analysis of Coal-Rock Composites in Deep Roadways

Li Dejian

11:40

Challenges for Safe Underground Occupation

Maria do Carmo Reis Cavalcanti

12:00

Effects of Drilling Parameters and Confining Pressure on Rock Mechanical Responses in Digital Drilling

Jiaxi Ge

LARMS Main Auditorium

11:00–12:20

LARMS 8

Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Rock Mechanics

The transformative role of AI, machine learning and data-driven methodologies applied to geotechnical characterization and engineering decision-making.

Presentations · 4 papers

11:00

Integration of Geotechnical Data and Multivariate Methods for Predictive Analysis of Rockfalls in Underground Mines

Alisson Carvalho Santos Brasil

11:20

Variabilidade Espacial de Propriedades de Resistência em Mineração a Céu Aberto Utilizando Informações do RQD

Guilherme José Cunha Gomes

11:40

AI-Assisted Geotechnical Characterization of Veins in Diamond Drill Cores

Thiare Paloma Salazar Jeria

12:00

Estimation of Rock Compactness Based on Operational Data and Machine Learning Models

José Matheus Vieira Matos

11:00–12:20

LARMS 9

Rock Characterization, Laboratory Testing and Engineering Materials

Advances in rock slope engineering and open-pit geomechanics — hazard assessment, geomechanical characterization and modern technologies.

Presentations · 4 papers

11:00

Geotechnical Analysis and Rockfall Simulations for the Implementation of Dynamic Barriers in Nova Cascatinha (Petrópolis/RJ)

Renan Dias Alves

11:20

Geomechanical Classification of Slopes in the Poty River Canyons

Marcio Avelino de Medeiros

11:40

Validation of Geomechanical Parameters in Tonalite: An Integrated Study of Index Tests and Strength Assessment

Thaynara Claudyane Castro Sales

12:00

High-Temperature and Cooling-Regime Effects on Strength of Leptinite Gneiss from Historical Stone Masonry in Rio de Janeiro

Anna Luisa Torezani Pantoja

12:20–13:30 Lunch Break

13:30–14:00 Keynote Lecture

Best Practices for Rock Mass Characterization and Modelling

Esteban Hormazabal

SRK Consulting, Chile

Practical methodologies for rock mass characterization and geotechnical modelling based on international mining experience, highlighting best practices for design and operational decision-making.

14:00–14:30 Keynote Lecture

Lessons Learned in the Design and Construction of Hydraulic Pressure Tunnels in the Andes Mountain Range in the Last 50 Years

$Andres Marulanda$

Andres Marulanda

INGETEC, Colombia

Drawing on more than five decades of engineering experience, this lecture discusses the principal lessons learned in the design, construction and risk management of hydraulic tunnels in the Andes.

LARMS Main Auditorium

15:00–15:30 Coffee Break

15:30–16:50 Parallel Technical Sessions

15:30–16:50

LARMS 10

Hydraulic Fracturing, Reservoir Geomechanics and CCS

Advanced numerical approaches for complex rock engineering problems: CCS, salt cavern geomechanics, fault reactivation and rock fracturing.

Presentations · 4 papers

15:30

Numerical Analysis of Geological Fault Reactivation Induced by Pressurization in CO2 Storage

Wesley Devison Melo Xavier

15:50

Numerical Modeling of a Reduced Physical Model to Analyze Halite Geomechanics and Creep Behavior in Salt Caverns for CO₂ Storage

Larissa Barbosa Lima

16:10

A Workflow for Wellbore Closure in Salt Formations Using Chronos: From Laboratory Testing to Numerical Simulation

Sérgio Augusto B. Fontoura

16:30

Visualization Test and Numerical Simulations of 2D Blasting Crack Propagation

Shan Guo

15:30–16:50

LARMS 11

Infrastructure, Underground Works and Engineering Applications

Emerging technologies reshaping the future of Rock Mechanics: automation, digital monitoring, unmanned aerial systems and fiber-optic sensing.

Presentations · 4 papers

15:30

Automation of Underground Void and Support Deformation Monitoring – Effective Decision-Making Tools without the Penalty of Time and Effort

Carlos Gonzalez Orozco

15:50

Operational Deployment of UAV Photogrammetry for Corridor-Scale Rock Slope Inspection

Gustavo de Amorim Nitsche

16:10

Analysis of the Dependency between Crushing and Shape Index of Basaltic Aggregates

Patricia Casarotto de Oliveira

16:30

Rockburst Hazard Control Using the Excavation Compensation Method (ECM): a Case Study in the Qinling Water Conveyance

Hongru Li

15:30–16:50

LARMS 12

Underground Excavations in Brazilian Mining

Special Round Table on Brazilian mining and underground excavations.

Chair & Panelists

Reuber Ferreira Cota

Chair · Vale S.A.

Alexandre Gontijo

Panelist · Mec Roc

LARMS Main Auditorium

17:30–18:00 Keynote Lecture

A Rock Engineering Perspective for CCS in Brazil

Vivian Marchesi

Baker Hughes, Brazil

The strategic role of Rock Mechanics in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects in Brazil, emphasizing geomechanical modelling, wellbore stability and long-term storage integrity.

LARMS Main Auditorium

18:00–18:30 Keynote Lecture

Hydraulic-Fracture Swarms in Reservoirs: Mechanisms from Laboratory Experiments to Field Applications

Guangqing Zhang

China University of Petroleum – Beijing, China

Mechanisms governing hydraulic-fracture swarms, integrating laboratory observations, fracture mechanics and field applications in unconventional reservoirs.

LARMS Main Auditorium

19:30–21:00 RockBowl 2026

Semi-finals, Final and Awards Ceremony

The second evening concludes with the final stages of the RockBowl, where the best university teams compete for the LARMS 2026 championship.

Schedule · Day 05

Closing Day

Friday, August 28, 2026

Symposium Closing

Closing Day

Friday, August 28, 2026

The final day of LARMS 2026 is dedicated to the future of Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, highlighting advances in tunnelling, infrastructure, artificial intelligence and innovative engineering applications. The program concludes with two keynote lectures, six parallel technical sessions and the Closing Ceremony, celebrating another successful edition of the Latin American Rock Mechanics Symposium.

08:00–09:00 Registration

09:00–10:20 Round Table

Rock Mechanics Applied to Tunnels and Infrastructures

Internationally recognized specialists discuss recent advances in tunnelling, underground transportation systems and major infrastructure projects. Topics include tunnel design, construction technologies, TBM applications, project delivery, operational challenges and future perspectives.

LARMS Main Auditorium

Moderator & Panelists

Jean Pierre Ciriades

Moderator · CBT Brazil

Mengxue Qi

Panelist · China Railway 18th Bureau

Carmen Deulofeu

Panelist · Metro Lima L2, Peru

Werner Bilfinger

Panelist · Vecttor Projetos, Brazil

10:30–11:00 Coffee Break

11:30–12:50 Parallel Technical Sessions

11:30–12:50

LARMS 13

Rock Support, Shotcrete and In Situ Stress Assessment

Rock Mechanics in sustainable mining practices, environmental challenges, CCS, rock characterization and reuse of mining waste.

Presentations · 4 papers

11:30

Expedite Characterization of Granitic Rocks through the Integration of PLT, UPV, and Physical Indices Tests

Julia Lopes Figueiredo

11:50

Use of Machine Learning for Ranking Geotechnical Variables in Rock Masses

Luana Claudia Pereira

12:10

Analysis of Anisotropic Failure Criteria on a Foliated Metamorphic Rock

Pedro Pazzoto Cacciari

12:30

Evaluation of Innovative Destinations for the Kaolin Mining Waste

Jucimara Cardoso da Silva

11:30–12:50

LARMS 14

Machine Learning and Data Analytics in Rock Engineering

Engineering behaviour of weak and weathered rock masses — laboratory/field characterization, foundation engineering and rock creep.

Presentations · 4 papers

11:30

Field Validation of Semi-Empirical Axial Capacity Methods for a Rock-Socketed Shaft in Weathered Migmatitic Gneiss Based on Dynamic Load Testing

Vinicius Zamai Seva

11:50

In situ Tests for Characterizing Weathered Phyllites

Marcio Fernandes Leão

12:10

Literature Review of Creep Parameters of Halite

Gabriel Viana da Silva

12:30

Geometric Influence on Phyllite Test Specimens in Geomechanical Parameters

Marcio Fernandes Leão

11:30–12:50

LARMS 15

Rock Durability, Weathering and Material Performance

Characterization, modelling and engineering application of rock mass discontinuities through Discrete Fracture Networks (DFN).

Presentations · 4 papers

11:30

Optimizing Connectivity in Discrete Fracture Network Generation for Tunnel Permeability Analysis

Lucas Bellini Machado

11:50

Application of Photogrammetry for Enhanced Accuracy in Structural Surveys during the Development of Underground Mines: A Case Study

Cristiane Alves

12:10

Computer Simulation of the Fractured Underground Rock Mass Using the Mesh Fragmentation Technique

Vilson Franco de Oliveira

12:30

A Photogrammetry-to-Engraving Workflow for Laboratory Replication of Natural Rock Joints

Vitor Ferreira Morales de Oliveira

LARMS Main Auditorium

12:50–13:30 Lunch Break

14:00–14:30 Keynote Lecture

AI-Driven Rock Mass Characterization: From "Ugly Data" to Robust Geomechanical Models

Jorge López Molina

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico

How artificial intelligence and machine learning can transform heterogeneous geological data into reliable geomechanical models, supporting more efficient engineering design and risk assessment.

LARMS Main Auditorium

14:30–15:00 Keynote Lecture

Stability and Sustainability: Lessons Learned from the Construction of High Cuts in Weak Rock Masses

Milorad Jovanovski

Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, North Macedonia

Practical experience from major transportation projects addressing challenges with gypsum rock masses — engineering geology, failure mechanisms and stabilization strategies.

LARMS Main Auditorium

15:00–15:30 Coffee Break

16:00–17:20 Parallel Technical Sessions

16:00–17:20

LARMS 16

Hydraulic Fracturing and Thermal Effects in Rock Engineering

Risk assessment and decision-making in Rock Engineering — geotechnical hazards, economic optimization and strategic planning for mining operations.

Presentations · 4 papers

16:00

Estimation of In-Situ Stresses: A Technical Approach

Matheus Souza

16:20

Sinkholes Above Salt Caverns: Geomechanical Mechanisms, Failure Processes, and Hazard Implications

Wislayne Souza Alves

16:40

Risk Management for Critical Mining Assets

Luis Martin Tejada Cervantes

17:00

Case Study for Design Review Methodology Applied to Strategic Mine Plans at Bingham Canyon Mine

Sarah McAuley

16:00–17:20

LARMS 17

Underground Infrastructure and Construction Quality

Rock Mechanics in energy transition and mining innovation — deep resource exploitation, ground support systems and carbon sequestration.

Presentations · 4 papers

16:00

Unlocking the Energy Potential of Deep Rocks through Hydraulic Stimulation

Luis Carlos de Sousa Junior

16:20

Effect of Rock Nonlinear Mechanical Behavior on Excavation Induced Damaged Zone around Deep Buried Tunnel: a Numerical Investigation

Yingming Xiao

16:40

CH4 and CO2 Adsorption Mechanisms in Coals with Varying Ranks for Carbon Sequestration

Xinyue Wang

17:00

A Literature Review on Supercritical CO₂ Injection in Sandstone Reservoirs for Enhanced Oil Recovery and Carbon Capture and Storage

Larissa Barbosa de Lima

16:00–17:20

LARMS 18

CBMR Excellence Forum: Research, Industry & Career

Special Forum organized by CBMR Young Members Group (GeoJovem CBMR).

Featured Speakers

Dr. Lucas Bellini Machado

Research / Academia · CBMR Best PhD Thesis 2025

Andrea Balbuzano Pelizoni

Industry · Maccaferri

Miessa Ferreira de Souza

Career · Vale · Geotechnical Engineering

LARMS Main Auditorium

17:30–18:00 ISRM Lecture

Special Lecture by the ISRM President

Seokwon Jeon

President of the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM)

The ISRM President will deliver a special lecture highlighting the importance of the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM) in advancing rock mechanics and rock engineering worldwide. The lecture will address the role of the Society in promoting scientific and technical development, fostering international collaboration and strengthening connections among researchers, engineers and industry professionals.

LARMS Main Auditorium

18:00–19:00 Closing Ceremony

Closing Ceremony

The Closing Ceremony marks the conclusion of the X Latin American Rock Mechanics Symposium (LARMS 2026). Awards and acknowledgements will be presented, recognizing the contributions of keynote speakers, authors, reviewers, session chairs, sponsors and volunteers who made LARMS 2026 possible. The ceremony will also celebrate the scientific achievements of the symposium and reinforce the importance of continued international collaboration within the Rock Mechanics community.