Samuel Yniesta

Samuel Yniesta is an Associate Professor at Polytechnique Montréal in the Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering. His work focuses on geotechnical earthquake engineering, soil dynamics, and constitutive modeling, with emphasis on organic soils and sensitive clays.

• Ph.D. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from UCLA
• B.Sc. from Ecole Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP), Paris

His research integrates constitutive modeling, numerical simulations, and centrifuge experiments to analyze seismic stability of tailings impoundments, soil liquefaction, and ground response in soft soil profiles.

Recent publications highlight advancements in NorSand calibration for nonlinear state-dilatancy laws, PM4Sand model applications for mine tailings, and settlement behavior of organic soils under cyclic loading.

• Shah Family Innovation Prize (2021)
• Thomas A. Middlebrooks Award (2022)

He supervises graduate students in projects related to geotechnical seismic engineering and mine waste stability. He also contributes to technical committees and partners with institutions like the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.