​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​למעבדה לסיסמולוגיה הנדסית וביו-גיאו-טכנולוגיה – פרופ' מיכאל צסרסקי​

My research crosses different scientific disciplines while maintaining the core of geosciences and mechanics. Specifically, I am actively engaged in two main research thrusts: engineering seismology and bio-geo-technology.
In research, I am balancing between basic and applied research, oriented to reduce geological and environmental hazards. Both research thrusts, novel and unique in Israel, required the establishment of new research groups and cooperation with colleagues both in Israel and around the world.
The basic research studies the interactions between different components of natural and complex systems: geology and seismology, geochemistry and biology. Seismic modeling and monitoring of complex sedimentary basins are aimed to gain a basic understanding of the basin effect on ground motions and to improve the estimation of seismic ground hazard in regions of low seismic rate and partial spatial coverage. I am actively involved in research of bio-stimulated Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) as a ground modification technique, with applications ranging from mitigation of liquefaction to desert crust stabilization.
Concurrently, I am continuing my research on the mechanics of geological materials, which encompasses the development and validation of numerical schemes, laboratory testing, and field monitoring.

[1] Vatenmacher, M., Svoray, T., Tsesarsky, M., Isaac, S.
Performance-driven vulnerability analysis of infrastructure systems(2022) International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 76, art. no. 103031, .
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2022.103031

[2] Glehman, J., Tsesarsky, M.
Ground motion variability in Israel from 3-D simulations of M 6 and M 7 earthquakes(2022) Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences, 22 (4), pp. 1451-1467.
DOI: 10.5194/nhess-22-1451-2022

[3] Shimony, R., Gvirtzman, Z., Tsesarsky, M.
Seismic energy release from intra-basin sources along the dead sea transform and its influence on regional ground motions
(2021) Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 111 (1), pp. 295-308.
DOI: 10.1785/0120200215

[4] Finzi, Y., Ganz, N., Dor, O., Davis, M., Volk, O., Langer, S., Arrowsmith, R., Tsesarsky, M.
Stability Analysis of Fragile Rock Pillars and Insights on Fault Activity in the Negev, Israel
(2020) Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth, 125 (12), art. no. e2019JB019269, .
DOI: 10.1029/2019JB019269

[5] Raveh-Amit, H., Tsesarsky, M.
Biostimulation in desert soils for microbial-induced calcite precipitation
(2020) Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 10 (8), art. no. 2905, .
DOI: 10.3390/APP10082905

[6] Yulevitch, G., Danon, M., Krasovitov, B., Fominykh, A., Swet, N., Tsesarsky, M., Katra, I.
Evaluation of wind-induced dust-PM emission from unpaved roads varying in silt content by experimental results
(2020) Atmospheric Pollution Research, 11 (2), pp. 261-268.
DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2019.10.010

[7] Shani-Kadmiel, S., Volk, O., Gvirtzman, Z., Tsesarsky, M.
Ground motion amplification atop the complex sedimentary basin of Haifa Bay (Israel. (2020) Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, 18 (3), pp. 821-836.
DOI: 10.1007/s10518-018-00533-9

[8] Tsesarsky, M., Goldberg, A., Shani-Kadmiel, S., Volk, O., Gvirtzman, Z.
Ground motion amplification in the zevulun valley (Haifa bay, israel): Measurements and modeling
(2019) Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering for Protection and Development of Environment and Constructions- Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, 2019, pp. 5361-5368.

[9] Tsesarsky, M., Gat, D., Ronen, Z.
Biological aspects of microbial-induced calcite precipitation
(2018) Environmental Geotechnics, 5 (2), pp. 69-78.
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-
DOI: 10.1680/jenge.15.00070

[10] Tsesarsky, M., Shani-Kadmiel, S., Volk, O., Zaslavski, T., Weinberger, R., Gvirtzman, Z.
Ground Motion Amplification atop Complex Sedimentary Structures along and Adjacent to the Dead Sea Transform
(2018) Geotechnical Special Publication, 2018-June (GSP 291), pp. 410-421.
DOI: 10.1061/9780784481462.040

[11] Gomez, M.G., Graddy, C.M.R., DeJong, J.T., Nelson, D.C., Tsesarsky, M.
Stimulation of native microorganisms for biocementation in samples recovered from field scale treatment depths
(2018) Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 144 (1), p. 1804.
DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0001804.

[12] Faust, A., Katz, H., Sapir, Y., Avraham, A., Marder, O., Bar-Oz, G., Weiss, E., Auman-Chazan, C., Hartmann-Shenkman, A., Sadiel, T., Vilnay, O., Tsesarsky, M., Sarah, P., Ackermann, O., Timmer, N., Katz, O., Langgut, D., Benzaquen, M.
The birth, life and death of an Iron Age house at Tel ‘Eton, Israel
(2017) Levant, 49 (2), pp. 136-173.
DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2017.1388027

[13] Gat, D., Ronen, Z., Tsesarsky, M.
Long-term sustainability of microbial-induced CaCO3 precipitation in aqueous media
(2017) Chemosphere, 184, pp. 524-531.
DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.06.015

[14] Volk, O., Shani-Kadmiel, S., Gvirtzman, Z., Tsesarsky, M.
3D effects of sedimentary wedges and subsurface canyons: Ground-motion amplification in the Israeli coastal plain
(2017) Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 107 (3), pp. 1324-1335.
DOI: 10.1785/0120160349

[15] Shani-Kadmie, S., Tsesarsky, M., Gvirtzman, Z.
Distributed slip model for forward modeling strong Earthquakes
(2016) Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 106 (1), pp. 93-103.
DOI: 10.1785/0120150102

[16] Gat, D., Ronen, Z., Tsesarsky, M.
Soil Bacteria Population Dynamics Following Stimulation for Ureolytic Microbial-Induced CaCO3 Precipitation
(2016) Environmental Science and Technology, 50 (2), pp. 616-624.
DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b04033

[17] Tsesarsky, M., Hazan, M., Gal, E.
Estimating the elastic moduli and isotropy of block inmatrix (bim) rocks by computational homogenization
(2016) Engineering Geology, 200, pp. 58-65.
DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2015.12.003

[18] Tsesarsky, M., Hazan, M., Gal, E.
Multi-scale analysis and homogenization of geological materials with inclusion
(2015) 13th ISRM International Congress of Rock Mechanics, 2015- MAY, pp. 1-7.

[19] Tsesarsky, M., Katz, A., Peled, A., Sadot, O.
Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) shells for strengthening and retrofitting of concrete elements: influence of admixtures
(2015) Materials and Structures/Materiaux et Constructions, 48 (1-2), pp. 471-484.
DOI: 10.1617/s11527-013-0197-z

[20] Gat, D., Tsesarsky, M., Shamir, D., Ronen, Z.
Accelerated microbial-induced CaCO3 precipitation in a defined coculture of ureolytic and non-ureolytic bacteria
(2014) Biogeosciences, 11 (10), pp. 2561-2569.
10.5194/bg-11-2561-2014

[21] Gat, D., Tsesarsky, M., Wahanon, A., Ronen, Z.
Ureolysis and MICP with model and native bacteria: Implications for treatment strategies
(2014) Geotechnical Special Publication, (234 GSP), pp. 1713-1720.

[22] Shani-Kadmiel, S., Tsesarsky, M., Louie, J.N., Gvirtzman, Z.
Geometrical focusing as a mechanism for significant amplification of ground motion in sedimentary basins: Analytical and numerical study
(2014) Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering, 12 (2), pp. 607-625.
DOI: 10.1007/s10518-013-9526-4

[23] Wust-Bloch, G.H., Tsesarsky, M.
Structure health monitoring in natural environments: Pre-failure event location and full-waveform characterization by nanoseismic monitoring
(2013) Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics, 18 (4), pp. 219-232.
DOI: 10.2113/JEEG18.4.219

[24] Tsesarsky, M., Wust-Bloch, H.G.
Pre-failure event location and waveform characterization by nanoseismic monitoring
(2013) Rock Dynamics and Applications - State of the Art: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Rock Dynamics and Applications, RocDyn-1 2013, pp. 257-262.

[25] Tsesarsky, M., Peled, A., Katz, A., Anteby, I.
Strengthening concrete elements by confinement within textile reinforced concrete (TRC) shells - Static and impact properties
(2013) Construction and Building Materials, 44, pp. 514-523.
DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2013.03.031

[26] Dejong, J.T., Soga, K., Kavazanjian, E., Burns, S., Van Paassen, L.A., AL Qabany, A., Aydilek, A., Bang, S.S., Burbank, M., Caslake, L.F., Chen, C.Y., Cheng, X., Chu, J., Ciurli, S., Esnault-Filet, A., Fauriel, S., Hamdan, N., Hata, T., Inagaki, Y., Jefferis, S., Kuo, M., Laloui, L., Larrahondo, J., Manning, D.A.C., Martinez, B., Montoya, B.M., Nelson, D.C., Palomino, A., Renforth, P., Santamarina, J.C., Seagren, E.A., Tanyu, B., Tsesarsky, M., Weaver, T.
Biogeochemical processes and geotechnical applications: Progress, opportunities and challenges
(2013) Geotechnique, 63 (4), pp. 287-301.
DOI: 10.1680/geot.SIP13.P.017

[27] Tsesarsky, M., Wust-Bloch, H.G.
Pre-failure event location and waveform characterization by nanoseismic monitoring
(2013) Rock Dynamics and Applications - State of the Art, pp. 257-262.

[28] Peled, A., Tsesarsky, M., Katz, A., Anteby, I.
Strengthening of concrete elements by layer of textile impregnated cement matrix
(2013) fib Symposium TEL-AVIV 2013: Engineering a Concrete Future: Technology, Modeling and Construction, Proceedings, pp. 57-60.

[29] Dejong, J.T., Soga, K., Kavazanjian, E., Burns, S., Van Paassen, L.A., Al Qabany, A., Aydilek, A., Bang, S.S., Burbank, M., Caslake, L.F., Chen, C.Y., Cheng, X., Chu, J., Ciurli, S., Esnault-Filet, A., Fauriel, S., Hamdan, N., Hata, T., Inagaki, Y., Jefferis, S., Kuo, M., Laloui, L., Larrahondo, J., Manning, D.A.C., Martinez, B., Montoya, B.M., Nelson, D.C., Palomino, A., Renforth, P., Santamarina, J.C., Seagren, E.A., Tanyu, B., Tsesarsky, M., Weaver, T.
Biogeochemical processes and geotechnical applications: Progress, opportunities and challenges
(2013) Bio- and Chemo- Mechanical Processes in Geotechnical Engineering - Geotechnique Symposium in Print 2013, pp. 143-157.

[30] Tsesarsky, M., Gal, E., Machlav, E.
3-D global-local finite element analysis of shallow underground caverns in soft sedimentary rock
(2013) International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 57, pp. 89-99.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrmms.2012.07.034

[31] Tsesarsky, M., Gal, E., Machlav, E.
Global continuous-local discontinuous approach for the analysis of shallow underground caverns in soft and discontinuous rock
(2012) Geotechnical Special Publication, (225 GSP), pp. 2322-2331.
DOI: 10.1061/9780784412121.238

[32] Katz, A., Tsesarsky, M., Peled, A., Anteby, I.
Textile reinforced cementitious composites for retrofit and strengthening of concrete structures under impact loading
(2012) RILEM Bookseries, 2, pp. 503-510.
DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-2436-5_61

[33] Shani-Kadmiel, S., Tsesarsky, M., Louie, J.N., Gvirtzman, Z.
Simulation of seismic-wave propagation through geometrically complex basins: The Dead Sea basin
(2012) Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America, 102 (4), pp. 1729-1739.
DOI: 10.1785/0120110254

[34] Tsesarsky, M.
Deformation mechanisms and stability analysis of undermined sedimentary rocks in the shallow subsurface
(2012) Engineering Geology, 133-134, pp. 16-29.
DOI: 10.1016/j.enggeo.2012.02.007

[35] Tsesarsky, M., Wust-Bloch, G.H.
Nanoseismic monitoring of shallow caverns for detection of incipient failures
(2012) Harmonising Rock Engineering and the Environment - Proceedings of the 12th ISRM International Congress on Rock Mechanics, pp. 1137-1139.

[36] Gat, D., Tsesarsky, M., Shamir, D.
Ureolytic calcium carbonate precipitation in the presence of non-ureolytic competing bacteria
(2011) Geotechnical Special Publication, (211 GSP), pp. 3966-3974.
DOI: 10.1061/41165(397)405

[37] Tsesarsky, M., Wust-Bloch, H.G.
Pre-collapse detection of failure in cavities by nanoseismic monitoring
(2010) Rock Engineering in Difficult Ground Conditions - Soft Rocks and Karst - Proceedings of the Regional Symposium of the International Society for Rock Mechanics, EUROCK 2009, pp. 583-587.

[38] Tsesarsky, M., Hatzor, Y.H.
Kinematics of overhanging slopes in discontinuous rock
(2009) Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 135 (8), pp. 1122-1129.
DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000049

[39] Tsesarsky, M., Talesnick, M.L.
Mechanical response of a jointed rock beam - Numerical study of centrifuge models
(2007) International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, 31 (8), pp. 977-1006.
DOI: 10.1002/nag.568

[40] Tsesarsky, M., Hatzor, Y.H.
Tunnel roof deflection in blocky rock masses as a function of joint spacing and friction - A parametric study using discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA)
(2006) Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 21 (1), pp. 29-45.
DOI: 10.1016/j.tust.2005.05.001


[41] Tsesarsky, M., Hatzor, Y.H., Sitar, N.
Dynamic displacement of a block on an tnclined plane: Analytical, experimental and DDA results
(2005) Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 38 (2), pp. 153-167.
DOI: 10.1007/s00603-004-0043-2

[42] Tsesarsky, M., Hatzor, Y.H., Leviathan, I., Saltzman, U., Sokolowksy, M.
Structural control on the stability of overhanging, discontinuous rock slopes
(2005) American Rock Mechanics Association - 40th US Rock Mechanics Symposium, ALASKA ROCKS 2005:Rock Mechanics for Energy, Mineral and Infrastructure Development in the Northern Regions, .

[43] Hatzor, Y.H., Talesnick, M., Tsesarsky, M.
Continuous and discontinuous stability analysis of the bell-shaped
(2002) International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 39 (7), pp. 867-886.
DOI: 10.1016/S1365-1609(02)00071-0

[44] Talesnick, M.L., Hatzor, Y.H., Tsesarsky, M.
The elastic deformability and strength of a high porosity, anisotropic chalk
(2001) International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, 38 (4), pp. 543-555.
DOI: 10.1016/S1365-1609(01)00024-7

[45] Tsesarsky, M., Hatzor, Y.H., Talesnick, M.L.
The stability of Bet Guvrin caverns-Integrated analysis in weak, anisotropic, and discontinuous chalk
(2000) Israel Journal of Earth Sciences, 49 (2), pp. 81-102.
DOI: 10.1560/CY27-764N-29PP-PE72

2004 Ph. D. Ben Gurion University of the Negev. Geological and Environmental Sciences. Thesis: Stability of underground openings in horizontally bedded and vertically jointed rock mass. Advisor: Dr. Y.H. Hatzor.

1999 M.Sc. (Cum Laude). Ben Gurion University of the Negev. Geological and Environmental Sciences. Thesis: Stability of underground openings in jointed chalk – A case study from the bell shaped caverns, Bet-Guvrin National Park. Advisor: Dr. Y.H. Hatzor.

1996 B.Sc. (Cum Laude). Ben Gurion University of the Negev. Geological and Environmental Sciences