Cho, Gye-Chun

Prof.

Geosystems Laboratory, founded in June 2002, has a vision to become a world-class laboratory by leading a new leap forward in geotechnical engineering by grafting modern theories and techniques based on the concept of traditional geotechnical engineering.
We are focusing on micro-scale unit behavior that complements Terzaghi’s theory by conducting parallel fundamental theoretical and systematic experimental research.
The Geotechnical Systems Laboratory researches the behavioral mechanisms of various target grounds, such as soil and rock, from a micro-scale perspective that is fundamental to understanding the engineering behavioral mechanisms of ground at the meso-macro scale.
In addition, through research on the latest physical exploration theories and techniques based on elastic and electromagnetic waves, we present interpretation models based on fundamental physics theories and prove them through indoor experiments, thereby developing various application technologies such as 4D tomography techniques and tunnel forward prediction techniques.
Finally, by synthesizing the above studies, we are also conducting research on the development of pre-reinforcement necessity assessment techniques and pre-reinforcement technologies. Our goal is to develop economical and safe construction element technologies for creating various large-scale and large-section underground spaces centered on tunnels.
To conduct the above studies, we are equipped with various electronic and testing equipment, including multiple devices and sensors. We are also actively conducting research activities with national and public institutions and significant domestic construction companies.

Education
∙ B.S. Civil Engineering, Korea University (1994)
∙ M.S. Geotechnical Engineering, Korea University (1996)
∙ Ph.D. Geotechnical Engineering, Georgia Tech (2001)
Career
∙ 2001 ~ 2002 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Penn State University
∙ 2002 ~ 2006 Assistant Professor, Dept. of Civil & Env. Eng., KAIST
∙ 2006 ~ 2012 Associate Professor, Dept. of Civil & Env. Eng., KAIST
∙ 2009 ~ 2009 Visiting Scholar, Georgia Institute of Technology
∙ 2012 ~ present Professor, Dept. of Civil & Env. Eng., KAIST
∙ 2016 ~ Present Director, Center for Utility, KAIST
∙ 2020 ~ Present Director, KOCED Geotechnical Centrifuge testing Center, KAIST
∙ 2022 ~ Present Member, Korean Academy of Science and Technology
∙ 2024 ~ Present 16th President, Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space
Main Research Field
① Eco-friendly ground reinforcement material development using biopolymer-treated soil
② Original technology development for advanced concept design and construction to create large underground spaces
③ New Rock Excavation Method using Waterjet
④ Tunnel Maintenance Techniques Utilizing Artificial Intelligence
⑤ Health evaluation of the monitoring system for domestic high-level nuclear waste disposal system
⑥ Rock mass classification using elastic and electromagnetic waves
⑦ Tunnel ahead prediction using electromagnetic waves
⑧ Estimation of in-situ effective stress and consolidation state of soft soil using shear waves
⑨ Development of 4-D tomographic system in a large triaxial cell
⑩ Geotechnical study on gas hydrate-bearing sediments
⑪ DEM modeling on friction in particulate materials
Medals and Awards
∙ Tewkesbury Lecture Award (2009)
∙ 13th Young Scientist Award (4th Group in Engineering), Korean Academy of Science and Technology(2010)
∙ Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space President's Award (2012)
∙ Patent Technology Transfer and Commercialization Success Story Presentation, Commissioner’s Award from the Korean Intellectual Property Office (2013)
∙ Excellence Award at the Innovative Technology Award, KAIST (2013)
∙ Korean Academy of Science and Technology Hallym Leading Scientist Selection (2014)
∙ Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award (2016)
∙ Minister of the Interior and Safety Award (2018)
∙ 20th Kyung-Am Award (2024)