Professor Jean Benoît's expertise is in geotechnical engineering, including landslides and issues related to foundations and tunnels. He has been involved in drilling, sampling and field testing starting more than 30 years ago on hydroelectric projects in Canada. His research and consulting work has been conducted throughout the US as well as in Canada and overseas including France, Italy, Egypt, Iran and Algeria. Some significant projects include the Central Artery in Boston, Massachusetts, the Olmsted Locks and Dam in Illinois, the Loire River in France and the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy.

Other activities include management of the National Geotechnical Experimentation Sites (NGES) program since 1988, geotechnical databases, in situ geotechnical testing and bedrock bioremediation. Professor Benoît has published over 60 technical papers related to geotechnical engineering.