Sam Divall

Dr. Sam Divall is a Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering at the Department of Engineering, School of Science & Technology, City, University of London. He has been a faculty member since 2015 and currently serves as Director of the Research Group into Transforming Urban Environments (TrUE), Director of the Civil Engineering Laboratory and Giant Shear Box facility, and Chair of the Consortium for Research into Congested Underground Space (CoRCUS). He is also a Chartered Civil Engineer with the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Dr. Divall earned his MEng (Hons) and PhD in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering from City, University of London. His postgraduate training includes a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice. His research is centered on geotechnical events in congested urban underground environments, with a focus on tunnelling, shaft construction, piled foundations, and soil nailing in clay. He specializes in both physical (centrifuge) and numerical modelling to study ground movements and improve construction safety.

His recent publications analyze long-term tunnelling behaviour, pile stiffness effects, and physical modelling techniques. The work spans journal articles in Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Géotechnique, and International Journal of Physical Modelling in Geotechnics, as well as conference proceedings from ICPMG and ECSMGE. His research consistently addresses real-world engineering challenges in urban infrastructure.

• SMSCE Teaching and Learning Prize (2020)
• Teaching Award, Civil Engineering Department (2015)
• ICE QUEST Travel Award (2013)
• ISSMGE Foundation Award (2013)
• Winning Presentation, BGA Young Geotechnical Engineers’ Symposium (2012)

Dr. Divall actively supervises a large cohort of undergraduate, MSc, and PhD students on projects related to tunnelling, pile behaviour, and soil mechanics. He has led major research projects and collaborations, including an MoU with Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport. He is a member of the ISSMGE TC104 and serves on scientific committees for international conferences such as ICPMG 2026. His work is integral to the Centre of Excellence in Temporary Works and Construction Method Engineering in partnership with the Temporary Works Forum (TWf).

He leads and co-leads research within the Civil Engineering Laboratory, utilizing the Giant Shear Box and centrifuge facilities. His team focuses on transforming urban environments through innovative geotechnical solutions, with ongoing projects on shaft break-outs, pile performance, and recycled materials for construction platforms.