Dr. Wenbo Zheng, P.Eng., University of Northern British Columbia

Our research group aims to develop and improve our ability to effectively extract geo-resources and mitigate induced geohazards by integrating rock/soil/fluid mechanics. To advance these long-term objectives, our short-term research goals focus on applying experimental techniques to characterize geomaterials, developing numerical models to predict their hydraulic and mechanical behaviours, and validating these models using field-based monitoring data. Following this principle, we have examined geotechnical/geomechanics issues for earthen materials encountered in a wide range of environments, including proppant/shale rock conductivity in unconventional shale gas extraction, slope instability/landslides in mining and hydropower developments, and tunnelling, among other research topics.

Currently, I am looking for 3-4 self-motivated PhD students for upcoming projects on the following topics: (1) laboratory testing and numerical modelling for hydraulic fracturing in gas shale rock and induced small earthquakes, (2) coupled computational fluid dynamics and discrete element method for liquefaction flow slide simulations. Funding will be provided. The anticipated starting date is fall 2026.

About the Principal Investigator

Dr. Wenbo Zheng is an Associate Professor in Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Northern British Columbia. Wenbo received his Ph.D. from the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, and a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree from Tongji University in China, all in geotechnical engineering.

Wenbo’s research interests lie in geomechanics that apply to a broad spectrum of geo-resource and geohazard issues, including rock fracturing and deformation in shale gas extraction, slope stability/landslides in mining/hydropower and other built/natural environments, and tunnelling. His current research focuses on integrating advanced laboratory characterization (e.g., X-ray CT) and field monitoring data (e.g., slope movement) with computational geomechanics (e.g., discrete element modelling) to understand the fundamental behaviours of geomaterials and their implications for engineering applications. His research has been supported with more than 1.2 million dollars in the past few years, with strong collaboration with various industry partners. Wenbo has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles on geotechnical and geomechanics topics.

Wenbo is a member of numerous societies, including CGS, CSCE, ISRM, CIM, ISSMGE, and IAEG. He is an executive member of several technical divisions of the Canadian Geotechnical Society, including the Soil Mechanics & Foundation Division, the Rock Mechanics Division, and the EDI task force group. He is the Chair of the Northern BC Section of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering. He has been an external reviewer for NSERC, MITACS, and more than 30 international geotechnical journals.

Prospective UNBC undergrads and visiting undergraduate and graduate students can check the funding resources below to join my research group.

Prospective UNBC undergrads: click here for UNBC research opportunities with funding (Undergraduate Research Experience Award, International Student Research Award, Research Project Awards, NSERC – Undergraduate Student Research Award)

Prospective visiting students: check Mitacs globalink programs. For undergraduate students, click here. For graduate students, click here.

Dr. Wenbo Zheng, Ph.D., P.Eng.
Civil (Geotechnical) Engineering, School of Engineering
The University of Northern British Columbia
3333 University Way, Prince George, BC, Canada
Tel: +1 250-960-5698
E-mail: wenbo.zheng at unbc.ca;
https://www2.unbc.ca/people/zheng-dr-wenbo