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Professor Quentin Z.Q. Yue from the Department of Civil Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Hong Kong and his team received the first class award of the 10th Science and Technology Award from the China Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering for the study of the “Digital Image Based Numerical Methods for Analysis and Prediction of Behaviors of Soils and Rocks with Actual Meso-inhomogeneity under Loading” in the category of Natural Science.

Geomechanics calculate and predict mechanical responses and behavior of rocks, soils and concretes from elastic deformation to plastic deformation and/or brittle fracture. It plays a key role in geotechnical engineering and geohazard prevention. Following continuum mechanics, geomechanics have progressed greatly in the constitutive relations and numerical calculation methods. However, almost all the progresses were based on the fundamental assumption that the physical and mechanical properties of geomaterials are spatially homogeneous or piece-wisely inhomogeneous. They could not take the actual meso-heterogeneity into the calculations and predictions.

Professor Yue and his team members from the University of Hong Kong and Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics of Chinese Academy of Sciences have started this research since 1992. They used modern digital image technology and developed a numerical method for calculating and analysing the mechanical behavior of the real geomaterials by using actual meso-heterogeneity. This method realised the precise measurement and digital representation of spatially distributed meso-heterogeneity in real geomaterials, and the calculation of the deformation and failure process of the meso-heterogeneous geomaterials under loadings. The project pioneered the numerical modelling of actual geomaterials and led the progress and development of relevant fields internationally.

“As the only awardee for the First Class of Natural Science Award by the China Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering in 2019, we have gone through a stringent evaluation process which included written recommendations from five peer experts, independent assessment of other peer reviewers, and face to face examination by an evaluation committee comprising 15 authoritative experts in the field of rock mechanics and engineering in China. The award is indeed extremely precious! It is a very important recognition of our research work at HKU’s Faculty of Engineering by the top professional body of rock mechanics and engineering in China. We are delighted and encouraged by the recognition and we will definitely dedicate our effort to make more contributions in the future. ” said Professor Yue.

“We congratulate Professor Yue and his team for the efforts in geomechanics, and for winning this award for the second consecutive year, and at a higher level as well. We are proud to see the team’s effort has paid off,” Professor Christopher Chao, Dean of HKU Engineering said.

About China Society for Rock Mechanics and Engineering
The China Society of Rock Mechanics and Engineering is registered with the Ministry of Civil Affairs of PRC. The professional fields include water conservancy and hydropower, geological mining, railway transportation, national defense engineering, disaster prevention, urban construction, and environmental protection. It is an influential organisation in the Mainland that crosses industries, departments and disciplines. The Science and Technology Award of the China Society of Rock Mechanics and Engineering is sponsored by the China Society of Rock Mechanics and Engineering. This year marks the tenth year of the Award. The award has three categories, including the Natural Science Award, the Technology Invention Award and the Technology Advancement Award.

Media enquiries:
Ms Celia Lee, Faculty of Engineering, HKU (Tel: 3917 8519; Email: leecelia@hku.hk) or
Miss Bonnie Tsang, Faculty of Engineering, HKU (Tel: 3917 1924; Email: bonniepy@hku.hk)