Geotechnical, Water and Environmental Engineering Research

Mission

Geotechnical, Water, Environmental Engineering (GWEE) Research focuses on:

* Geotechnical engineering
* Water engineering
* Environmental engineering

It aims to develop innovative experimental, computational and design methods and processes that will support the analysis, design and operation of sustainable projects in these areas and/or the intersection of these areas.

Research Funding

The group is currently receiving ARC and industry research funding in the following research areas:

* Dynamics of soils and foundations
* Ambient noise characterisation of compacted soils
* Development of design guidelines for DCM column supported embankments
* Vortex and force characteristics in oscillatory flows
* Australian rainfall runoff modeling
* Decision making system for urban runoff
* Integrated urban water cycle management
* Dairy shed waste management
* Risk analysis of contaminant migration into the vadose zone
* Local Scour below Offshore Pipelines on Calcareous Sediments

Research Projects

The group has a number of research projects:

Environmental Engineering

* Dairy shed waste management.
* Quantification of GHG emissions from dairy farms.
* Integrated urban water cycle management (in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore).
* Risk analysis of long-term application of recycled water for irrigation.

Geotechnical Engineering

* Pile Integrity Testing (C.J.Leo and S.Liyanapathirana in collaboration with the University of Zhejiang, China)
* Analysis of EPS geofoam embankments for seismic loading (D.S. Liyanapathirana and C.J. Leo)
* Challenges in modelling deep cement mixed column behaviour: the missing link between constitutive relations and finite element analysis of columns (D.S. Liyanapathirana and C.J. Leo)

Water Engineering

* Vortex & Force Characteristics of an Inclined Cylinder in Oscillatory Flows (M. Zhao)
* Regional flood modeling in Australia (A. Rahman)
* Design rainfall estimation in Australia (A. Rahman)

Environmental-Geotechnical-Water

The group is also currently focusing on Coal Seam Gas (CSG), a form of natural gas extracted from coal beds and a rapidly growing industry in Australia (all members).

Researchers

A/Prof Chin Leo (Leader) (Geotechnical)

Chin Leo obtained his PhD in 1994 from the University of Sydney. He is interested in research problems in the following areas:

* Groundwater and contamination problems in soil
* Poromechanics
* Characterisation of geomaterials
* Soil dynamics and foundations

In groundwater and soil contamination research, he has developed a number of quasi-analytical, finite element and boundary element models of contaminant migration in porous and fractured porous media based on the advection-dispersion governing equation. In poromechanics, he has dealt with research problems dealing with consolidation, sedimentation-consolidation of soft soils, tunnel closure, vibrations of piles and foundations embedded in porous media. His research contributions in this area are primarily on the theoretical or computational side of continuum mechanics, in terms of formulation of the theoretical governing equations from first principle conservation laws, constitutive relations and theory of mixtures, and development of analytical, semi-analytical and numerical finite element solution techniques. He has researched the characterisation and remediation of geomaterials, namely: EPS geofoam, red mud, high power ultrasound remediation of contaminated soils and characterisation of sites using microtremor measurements. In this area of research, his contributions are primarily in relation to laboratory (triaxial, true triaxial, consolidation, high power ultrasonics, etc), and field experimental work, with a significant computational component. He regularly reviews for Computers and Geotechnics, International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, International Journal of Geomechanics, Geotextiles and Geomembranes. He has received research funding from the Australian Research Council, the NSW Environmental Trust, CSIRO Flagship and industry partners.

Selected Publications:

1. Harutoonian, P, Leo, C.J., Doanh, T. Castellaro, S., Zou, J., Liyanapathirana, S., Wong, H. and Tokeshi, H. (2012), Microtremor measurements of rolling compacted ground, Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, v41, pp23-31.
2. Wang, K.H, Wu, W B, Zhang Z Q and Leo, C.J. (2010), Vertical dynamic response of an inhomogeneous viscoelastic pile, Computers and Geotechnics, (37), pp536-544.
3. Dufour, N, Leo, C.J., Deleruyelle, F. and. Wong, H. (2009) Hydro-mechanical responses of a decommissioned backfilled tunnel driven into a poro-viscoelastic medium. Soils and Foundations, V49(4), pp495-507
4. Leo, C.J., Kumruzzaman, M., Wong, K,Yin, J.H., (2008), Behaviour of EPS geofoam in true triaxial compression tests', Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 26(2), pp175-180.
5. Wong, K. and Leo, C.J. (2006), "A simple elastoplastic hardening constitutive model for EPS geofoam", Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 24, pp299-310.
6. Collings, A.F., Farmer, A.D., Gwan, P.B. , Sosa Pintos, A.P. and Leo, C.J. (2006), Processing contaminated soils and sediments by high power ultrasound, Minerals Engineering, 19, pp450-453, ISSN: 0892-6875
7. Leo, C.J. and Wong, K. (2007), 'Closed form solutions of contaminant transport into semi-infinite soil with non-equilibrium sorption from a finite diminishing surface source', Revue Européenne de Génie Civil, pp 355-382, Vol 11(3), Hermes Science Publication,  Paris, ISSN 1774-7120
8. Leo, C.J.  (2004), 'Equal strain consolidation of fine-grained compressible soils by vertical drains',  Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, ISBN 1090-0241, v130(3), pp316-327.
9. Y.Zou, J.C.Small and C.J.Leo (2000), 'Behaviour of EPS geofoam in model test on pavements', Geosynthetics International, V7(1),  pp1-22.
10. Leo, C.J. and Booker, J.R. (1999), 'Semi-analytic solutions of contaminant transport from deeply buried cylindrical repository surrounded by zoned media', International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics'. V23, 14, pp1797-1815.

A/Prof Surendra Shrestha (Environmental)

Surendra's research areas include catchment hydrology, erosion modelling, sustainable engineering technology, urban hydrology (including urban stormwater harvesting, rainwater harvesting, gray and black water reuse), and wetland analysis and management.

Selected Publications:

1. Panikkar, A., Okalebo, S., Riley, S., Shrestha, S. and Hung, Y. (2010), 'Total treatment of black and grey water for rural communities', Environmental Bioengineering, Springer 9781588294937.
2. Shrestha, S., Riley, S. and Thomas, L. (2009), 'Rainfall trend analysis of Sydney's drinking water catchments', River Basin Management V, WIT Press 9781845641986.
3. Shrestha, S., Samuel, A., Ronaldson, P. and Riley, S. (2009), 'Investigation into potential impacts of implementation of water sensitive urban design components', Water Resources Management V, WIT Press 9781845641993.
4. Riley, S. and Shrestha, S. (2009), 'Rainfall Simulation study of the impact of unsealed roads in Cardinia Shire', Water Resources Management V, WIT Press 9781845641993.
5. Pinto, U., Maheshwari, B., Shrestha, S. and Morris, C. (2012), 'Understanding the meaning of river health for a community: perspectives from the peri-urban region of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment, Australia', Water Policy, 18.
6. Pinto, U., Maheshwari, B., Shrestha, S. and Morris, C. (2012), 'Modelling eutrophication and microbial risks in peri-urban river systems using discriminant function analysis', Water Research, 13.
7. Pinto, U., Maheshwari, B., Shrestha, S. and Morris, C. (2012), 'Understanding the meaning of river health for a community : perspectives from the peri-urban region of the Hawkesbury-Nepean catchment, Australia', Water Policy, 18.
8. Pudasaini, M. and Shrestha, S. (2011), 'Rainfall energy loss: An empirical model', Australian Journal of Water Resources, 10.
9. Yunusa, I., Manoharan, V., Odeh, I., Shrestha, S., Skilbeck, C. and Eamus, D. (2011), 'Structural and hydrological alterations of soil due to addition of coal fly ash', Journal of Soils and Sediments, 9.
10. Pudasaini, M. and Shrestha, S. (2010), 'Rainfall energy loss: An empirical model', Australian Journal of Water Resources, 10.
11. Riley, S., Shrestha, S. and Keogh, A. (2009), 'Managing Water Pollution - The Penrith Lakes Model', The Environmental Engineer Journal, 7.
12. Van Der Sterren, M., Rahman, A., Shrestha, S., Barker, G. and Ryan, G. (2009), 'An overview of on-site retention and detention policies for urban stormwater management in the Greater Western Sydney Region in Australia', Water International, 11.

A/Prof (Sathaa) Arumugam Sathasivan (Water)

The major thrust of Sathaa's research is to supply safe drinking water to customers through improvement of biostability (reduction of bacterial regrowth) while reducing disinfection by-products. Disinfectants studied are chlorine and chrloramine. Treatments investigated include membrane filtration, membrane bioreactor, coagulation/flocculation, biologically activated carbon, granular activated carbon and MIEX. Further, he ventures into other areas of distribution systems such as discoloured water management and corrosion. In addition, he is working on Microbial Electrolysis cells to treat waste water.

Selected Publications:

1. Krishna, B., Sathasivan, A. and Sarker, D. (2012), 'Evidence of Soluble Microbial Products Accelerating Chloramine Decay in Nitrifying Bulk Water Samples', Water Research, 12.
2. Sathasivan, A. and Krishna, B. (2012), 'Major Mechanism(s) of ChloramineDecay in Re-chloraminatedLaboratoryScale System Waters', Desalination and Water Treatment, 8.
3. Fisher, I., Sathasivan, A. and Bal Krishna, K. (2012), 'A Suitable Model of Combined Effects of Temperature and Initial Condition on Chlorine Bulk Decay in Water Distribution Systems', Water Research, 11.
4. Johir, M., Vigneswaran, S., Kandasamy, J., Sathasivan, A. and Grasmick, A. (2012), 'Effect of Imposed Flux on Fouling Behaviour in High Rate Membrane Bioreactor', BioresourcesTechnology, 8.
5. Aboutalebi, H., Sathasivan, A. and Kuan, M. (2012), 'Application of Air-cathode Pipe Reactor to Simultaneously Suppress Sulphate Reduction and Accelerate COD Oxidation in SyntheticWastewater', BioresourceTechnology, 4.
6. Aryal, A., Sathasivan, A. and Vigneswaran, S. (2012), 'Synergistic Effect of Biological Activated Carbon and Enhanced Coagulation in Secondary Wastewater Effluent Treatment', Water Science and Technology, 8.
7. Zhan, W., Sathasivan, A., Joll, C., Wei, G., Heitz, A. and Kristiana, L. (2012), 'Impact of N O M Character on Copper Adsorption by Trace Ferric Hydroxide from Iron Corrosion in Water Supply System', Chemical Engineering Journal, 11.
8. Sathasivan, A. and Bal Krishna, K. (2012), 'Major mechanism(s) of chloraminedecay in rechloraminatedlaboratoryscale system waters', Desalination and Water Treatment, 8.
9. Aryal, A., Sathasivan, A. and Vigneswaran, S. (2012), 'Synergistic effect of biological activated carbon and enhanced coagulation in secondary wastewater effluent treatment', Water Science and Technology, 8.
10. Aboutlebi, H., Sathasivan, A., Kohpaei, J. and Bal Krishna, K. (2011), 'Expediting Acetate Removal by Microbial Electrolysis Cells by increasingbiomass concentration', BioresourceTechnology, 4.
11. Fisher, I., Kastl, G., Sathasivan, A. and Jegatheesan, V. (2011), 'Suitability of Chlorine Bulk Decay Models for Planning and Management of Water Distribution Systems: A Review', Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, 40.
12. Kohpaei, J. and Sathasivan, A. (2011), 'Chlorine Decay Prediction in Bulk Water Using the Parallel Second Order Model: An Analytical Solution Development', Chemical Engineering Journal, 10.
13. Fisher, I., Kastl, G. and Sathasivan, A. (2011), 'Evaluation of Suitable Chlorine Bulk-decay Models for Water Distribution System', Water Research, -28.
14. Aryal, A., Sathasivan, A. and Zhan, W. (2011), 'Effect of Suspended Solids in secondary wastewater effluent on DOC removal by Enhanced Coagulation', Desalination and Water Treatment, 6.
15. Sarker, D. and Sathasivan, A. (2011), 'Effect of Temperature on Onset of Nitrification in Chloraminated System', Desalination and Water Treatment, 5.
16. Kohapei, J., Sathasivan, A. and Aboutalebi, H. (2011), 'Evaluation of second order and parallel second order approaches to model temperature variation in chlorine decay modelling ', Desalination and Water Treatment, 7.
17. Kohapei, J., Sathasivan, A. and Aboutalebi, H. (2011), 'Effectiveness of parallel second order model over second and first order models', Desalination and Water Treatment, 8.
    Al-Ithari, A., Sathasivan, A., Ahmed, R., Vithularu, H., Zhan, W. and Ahmed, M. (2011), 'Superiority of date seed ash as an adsorbent over other ashes and ferric chloride in removing boron from seawater ', Desalination and Water Treatment, 5.
18. Tal, T., Sathasivan, A. and Bal Krishna, K. (2011), 'Effect of Different Disinfectants on Grey Water Quality during Storage', Journal of Water Sustainability, 12.
19. Aryal, A., Sathasivan, A. and Adhikari, R. (2011), 'Evidence that BAC Enhances DOC Removal by Enhanced Coagulation', Desalination, 6.

Dr Samanthika Liyanapathirana (Geotechnical)

Samanthika completed her PhD at the University of Western Australia in 1999 and she has been involved in geotechnical rngineering research for more than 10 years. She has experience in computational geomechanics within specific areas of pile driving dynamics, earthquake engineering, pile supported embankments and deep cement mixed column improved ground. She has worked as a reviewer for many geotechnical engineering journals including the International Journal of Geomechanics (ASCE), Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering (ASCE), Computers and Geotechnics and Journal of Engineering Mechanics (ASCE) and as an external examiner for PhD students from other Australian universities. She joined the School of Engineering at UWS in 2009 as a senior lecturer. In 2007, she received the Thomas A. Middlebrooks Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers for research carried out in the design of pile foundations in seismically active regions jointly with Professor Harry Poulos. Currently she supervises six PhD students jointly with A/Prof Chin Leo.

Selected publications:

1. Liyanapathirana, D.S. and Poulos, H.G (2004), "Assessment of soil liquefaction incorporating earthquake characteristics," International Journal of Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 24, pp. 867-875.
2. Liyanapathirana, D.S., Carter, J.P. and Airey, D.W. (2005), "Nonhomogeneousbehaviour of structuredsoils in triaxial tests." International Journal of Geomechanics, ASCE, Vol. 5, No. 1, pp. 10-23.
3. Liyanapathirana, D.S. and Poulos, H.G (2005), "Seismic analysis of piles in liquefying soil," Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, Vol.  131, No. 12, pp. 1466-1479.
4. Liyanapathirana, D.S. and Poulos, H.G (2005), "Pseudostatic approach for seismic analysis of piles in liquefying soil," Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, Vol. 131, No. 12, pp. 1480-1487.
5. Liyanapathirana, D.S., Carter, J.P. and Airey, D.W.(2009). "Bearing response of shallow foundations on structured soils." Computers and Geotechnics, Vol. 36, No. 3, pp. 493-502.
6. Liyanapathirana, D.S. (2009). "Arbitrary LagrangianEulerian based finite element Analysis of cone penetration in soft clay." Computers and Geotechnics, Vol. 36, No. 5, pp. 851-860.
7. Liyanapathirana, D.S. and Poulos, H.G (2010). "Numerical simulation of pile group behaviour in liquefying sloping ground." Computers and Geotechnics, Vol. 137, No. 1-2, pp. 115-124.
8. SuksunHorpibulsuk, Martin D. Liu, D. S. Liyanapathirana, JirayutSuebsuk (2010). "Behaviour of cemented clay simulated via the theoretical framework of the SCC model." Computers and Geotechnics, Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 1-9.
9. Liyanapathirana, D.S., Liu, M.D. and Carter, J.P. (2010). "Numerical modelling of soft ground improved with cement." Australian Geomechanics, Vol. 45, No. 1, pp. 89-98.
10. Liyanapathirana, D.S. and Kelly, R.B. (2011), "Interpretation of the lime column penetration test," Computers and Geotechnics, Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 69-79.

Dr Ataur Rahman (Water)

Dr Ataur Rahman obtained his PhD degree in Hydrology in 1997 from Monash University where he was supervised by Professor R. Mein, Professor E. Laurenson, Dr B. Bates and Mr E. Weinmann. He worked as a research fellow at CRC for Catchment Hydrology (Monash University) and the Queensland University of Technology, and as a statistical hydrologist in Sinclair Knight Merz before joining to UWS in 2002. He is now working as a senior lecturer at UWS. He received the G. N. Alexander Medal from Engineers Australia in 2002 for a research paper on loss modelling. He spent his sabbatical leave at the University of Newcastle and Cornell University in 2010 where he worked with Professor G. Kuczera and Professor J. Stedinger. He is acting as Project 5 (Regional flood methods) Leader in the Australian Rainfall and Runoff Revision which has received funding of over $4 million from Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency. He has contributed significantly to ARR Project 1 Development of IFD information across Australia and ARR Project 6 Loss models for catchment simulation. He has published over 190 refereed papers and technical reports in various fields of water and environmental engineering. He is currently acting as principal supervisor of 6 PhD students. He is a regular reviewer of a number of leading international journals in Water Engineering such as Water Resources Research, Journal of Hydrology and Hydrological Processes. His research interests include design flood estimation, rainfall estimation, stochastic simulation and risk assessment, impact of climate change on river flow and water sensitive urban design.

Selected publications:

1. Zaman, M., Rahman, A., Haddad, K. (2012). Regional flood frequency analysis in arid regions: A case study for Australia. Journal of Hydrology (In press).
2. Van der Sterren, M., Rahman, A., Dennis, G. (2012). Quality and quantity monitoring of five rainwater tanks in Western Sydney, Australia. Journal of Environmental Engineering, ASCE (In press)
3. Haddad, K. and Rahman, A. (2012). Regional flood frequency analysis in eastern Australia: Bayesian GLS regression-based methods within fixed region and ROI framework – Quantile Regression vs. Parameter Regression Technique, Journal of Hydrology, 430-431 (2012), 142-161.
4. Van der sterren, M., Rahman, A. and Dennis, G.R. (2012). Implications to stormwater management as a result of lot scale rainwater tank systems: a case study in Western Sydney, Australia, Water Science and Technology, 65.8, 1475-1482.
5. Haddad, K., Rahman, A., and Stedinger, J.R. (2012). Regional Flood Frequency Analysis using Bayesian Generalized Least Squares: A Comparison between Quantile and Parameter Regression Techniques, Hydrological Processes, 25, 1-14.
6. Haddad, K., Rahman, A. and Green, J. (2011). Design Rainfall Estimation in Australia: A Case Study using L moments and Generalized Least Squares Regression. Stochastic Environmental Research & Risk Assessment, 25, 6, 815-825.
7. Eroksuz, E. and Rahman, A. (2010). Rainwater Tanks in Multi-unit Buildings: A Case Study for Three Australian Cities. Resources, Conservation & Recycling, 54, 12, 1449-1452.
8. Rahman, A., Haddad, K., Zaman, M., Kuczera, G. and Weinmann, P.E. (2011). Design flood estimation in ungauged catchments: A comparison between the Probabilistic Rational Method and Quantile Regression Technique for NSW. Australian Journal of Water Resources, 14, 2, 127-137.
9. Rahman, A., Weinmann, P. E., Hoang, T.M.T, Laurenson, E. M. (2002) Monte Carlo Simulation of flood frequency curves from rainfall. Journal of Hydrology, 256 (3-4), 196-210.
10. Bates, B.C., Rahman, A., Mein, R.G. and Weinmann, P.E. (1998). Climatic and physical factors that influence the homogeneity of regional floods in south-eastern Australia. Water Resources Research, Vol. 34, No. 12, 3369 – 3381.

Dr Dharma Hagare (Environmental)

Dharma has a strong background in civil and environmental engineering. He has successfully managed several projects related to design, construction and operation of water and wastewater treatment plants. He has widely published in the area of onsite/decentralised wastewater treatment systems. In addition, he has worked with several industries such as mining, dairy and manufacturing, to find appropriate solutions to dispose/ reuse their wastewater. He is also working in the area urban water cycle management. One project under this category is "Determination of long term water demand, taking into account the climate change impacts". Recently, risk assessment and management of various sustainable options for managing natural resources is gaining a lot of importance. Currently, Dharma is involved in developing risk assessment framework for managing the risks associated with the use of recycled water for irrigation. Dharma has established strong collaboration with local industries such as Dairy Australia, Sydney Water and the Sydney Catchment Authority. Further, he has established good collaboration with international institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and Karnatka State Council for Science and Technology, India. He is a recipient of a Senior Research Fellowship from the Australian Academy of Sciences.

Selected Publications:

1. Hagare, P., Hagare, D., Modessa, A., Quennelle, W. and Koizumi-Smith, B. (2012). Effect of rebate scheme and water restrictions on rainwater tank uptake rate and their impact on water demand. Water Journal of the Australian Water Association, 39(7), 2012, pp87-92. ISSN 0310-0367.
2. Loveridge, M., Rahman, A. and Hagare, D. (2012). An Investigation into Design Inputs for Design Flood Estimation in New South Wales, 34th Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, Sydney, Engineers Australia, 19-22 November, pp792-799, ISBN 978-1-922107-62-6.
3. Zaman, M.A., Rahman, A., Haddad, K. and Hagare, D. (2012). Identification of the Best-fit Probability Distributions in at-site Flood Frequency Analysis: A Case Study for Australia Using 127 Stations, 34th Hydrology and Water Resources Symposium, Sydney, Engineers Australia, 19-22 November, pp939-946, ISBN 978-1-922107-62-6.
4. Rahman, M., Hagare, D. and Maheshwari, B. (2012). Management of pollutant sources to minimise salinity risk for sporting ovals using recycled water for irrigation. AWA Biosolids/ Source Management Conference, Gold Coast, 24-28 June, pp 1-8.
5. Bunsri, T., Sivakumar, M. and Hagare, D. (2011), 'Simulation of Water and Contaminant Transport through Unsaturated Infiltration- Redistribution System', Hydraulic Conductivity/ Book 2, InTech Open Access Publisher 9789533075655.
6. Hagare, D., Sivakumar, M. and Singh, R. (2009), 'Wastewater Recycle, Reuse and Reclamation', Wastewater characteristics, management and reuse in mining & mineral processing industries, EolssPublishers 9781848269248.
7. Hagare, P. and Hagare, D. (2009), 'On-site wastewater treatment systems for wastewater reuse, in Wastewater Recycle, Reuse and Reclamation', Wastewater Recycle, Reuse and Reclamation. Vol. 2, EolssPublishers 9781848269255.
8. Bunsri, T., Sivakumar, M. and Hagare, D. (2009), 'Applications of hydraulic properties models on microscopic flow in unsaturated porous media', Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics, 11.
9. Bunsri, T., Sivakumar, M. and Hagare, D. (2009), 'Simulation of water movement through unsaturated infiltration-redistribution system.', Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics, 9.
10. Bunsri, T., Sivakumar, M. and Hagare, D. (2008), 'Transport and biotransformation of organic carbon and nitrate compounds in unsaturated soil conditions', Water Science and Technology, 11.
11. Bunsri, T., Sivakumar, M. and Hagare, D. (2008), 'Influence of dispersion on transport of tracer through unsaturated porous media.', Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics, 8.
12. Bunsri, T., Sivakumar, M. and Hagare, D. (2008), 'Numerical modelling of tracer transport in unsaturated porous media', Journal of AppliedFluidMechanics, 9.

Dr Ming Zhao (Water)

Dr Ming Zhao joined the Western Sydney University as a senior lecturer in the School of Engineering in 2011. He was awarded his PhD degree at the State Key Laboratory of Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, China in 2003. Between 2005 and 2011, he worked in the School of Civil and Resource Engineering, University of Western Australia as a research associate and then a research assistant professor. Dr Zhao's research interests include fluid-structure interaction, local scour around subsea structures, computational fluid mechanics (CFD), etc. Most of his research work is related to the fluid-soil-structure or fluid-structure interaction in the offshore oil and gas engineering. Ming was awarded three ARC discovery grants as a chief investigator and has published 45 refereed papers in international journals and 32 in international conferences. He is a regular reviewer for a number of international journals including "Coastal Engineering", "Ocean Engineering", etc.

Selected Publications:

1. Zhao, M., Cheng, L., An, H., 2012, Numerical investigation of vortex-induced vibration of a circularcylinder in transverse direction in oscillatory flow, Ocean Engineering 41, 39-52.
2. Zhao, M., Zhu, X., Cheng, L., Teng, B., 2012. Experimentalstudy of local scouraroundsubsea caisson in steadycurrents. Coastal Engineering 60, 30-40.
3. Zhao, M., Cheng, L., Zhou, T., 2011. Three-dimensional simulation of oscillatory flow around a circularcylinder at right and oblique attack. Ocean Engineering, 2056-2069.
4. An, H., Cheng, L., Zhao, M., 2011. Direct numerical simulation of oscillatory flow around a circularcylinderatlow KC number, Journal of FluidMechanics 666, 77–103.
5. Zhao, M., Cheng, L., 2011. Numerical simulation of two-degree-of-freedom vortex-induced vibration of acircularcylinder close to a plane boundary. Journal of Fluids and Structures 27, 1097–1110.
6. Zhao, M., Cheng, L., 2010. Finiteelementanalysis of flow control usingporous media, Ocean Engineering 37, 1357–1366.
7. Zhao, M., Cheng, L., Zang, Z., 2010. Experimental and numerical investigation of local scouraround a submerged vertical circularcylinder in steadycurrents, Coastal Engineering 57, 709–721.
8. Zhao, M., Cheng, L., 2010. Numerical investigation of local scourbelow a vibrating pipeline understeadycurrents, Coastal Engineering 57, 397-406.
9. Zhao, M., Cheng, L., 2010. Numerical investigation of local scourbelow a vibrating pipeline understeadycurrents, Coastal Engineering 57, 397-406.
10. Zang, Z., Cheng, L., Zhao, M., Liang, D., Teng, B., 2009. A numerical model for onset of scourbelow offshore pipelines. Coastal Engineering 56 (4), 458 – 466.
11. Zhao, M., Cheng, L., Zhou, T., 2009. Numerical simulation of three-dimensional flow past a yawedcircularcylinder, Journal of Fluids and Structures 25, 831–847.