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Assist Prof Dr. Felipe Villalobos | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Felipe Villalobos, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile

Dr. Felipe Villalobos is an accomplished Civil Engineer with a DPhil from Oxford University, specializing in Geotechnical Engineering. Currently an Assistant Professor at Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC) in Chile, he is a key figure in the postgraduate programs for MSc and PhD degrees in Engineering. Dr. Villalobos is the founder of Chile’s first Geological Civil Engineering degree and has authored several books, including Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Testing in Situ and Depth. His research encompasses offshore wind turbine foundations, soil and rock mechanics, and seismic geotechnics. He has completed two major research projects, with one ongoing, and has published 40 journal articles. Additionally, he collaborates with international research groups and holds editorial positions, contributing significantly to the field of geotechnical engineering.

PROFILE

Scopus

Education

Dr. Felipe Villalobos holds a DPhil in Geotechnical Engineering from Oxford University, where he conducted pioneering research on offshore foundations for wind turbines. He also earned an MSc in Civil Engineering, which provided him with a strong foundation in engineering principles and practices. Dr. Villalobos completed his undergraduate studies with a Civil Engineering degree, equipping him with the technical expertise and knowledge that have driven his successful academic and professional career in geotechnical engineering.

Research Interest 

Dr. Felipe Villalobos’s research spans a wide range of critical areas in geotechnical engineering. His work on offshore foundations for wind turbines has advanced the understanding of foundation behavior under complex loading conditions. He also focuses on the mechanical and thermal behavior of soil and rock, exploring their responses to various environmental factors. His expertise extends to laboratory and in situ geotechnical testing, providing accurate data for engineering applications. Dr. Villalobos investigates foundation dynamics, retaining structures, and soil nailing, contributing to safer and more efficient designs. His research on excavations, slope stability, and seismic geotechnics addresses key challenges in maintaining stability and safety in diverse geological conditions.

Professional Experience

Dr. Felipe Villalobos serves as an Assistant Professor at Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (UCSC) in Chile, where he plays a pivotal role in the academic community. He is the founder of Chile’s first Geological Civil Engineering degree, a groundbreaking program that integrates geology with civil engineering to address the country’s unique geotechnical challenges. Since 2008, Dr. Villalobos has been the editor of Obras y Proyectos, a respected journal that disseminates research in the field. Additionally, he collaborates with the Infrastructure Management Research Group at HafenCity University in Hamburg, furthering international research efforts in geotechnical engineering.

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Assist Prof Dr. Felipe Villalobos | Geotechnical Engineering | Best Researcher Award