In the research unit of engineering geology, one research focus is geogenic risk research in the field of applied rock mechanics, especially with regard to the stability of rock slopes, building foundations and tunnel structures. Core topics here are the interpretation of the mechanical causes and the sequence of different mass movements. Numerical methods are used in the analysis of the stability and failure mechanisms of valley sides and rock slopes, for the dimensioning of tunnels and caverns, but also for the simulation of geological processes (e.g. in the modelling of rockfall and rock avalanches).

Another focus is on the standardised determination of basic rock-physical and weathering-relevant parameters on laboratory test specimens and samples of rock building materials, as well as on surveys of structures and individual objects made of natural stone with regard to questions of monument preservation.