Chao Zhang 张超
Professor of Civil Engineering
Vice Dean for Research
Public Records
Department Webpage |Google Scholar |Research Gate |
Education
Postdoc, Colorado School of Mines, 2019
Ph.D., Michigan Technological University, 2017
M.Sc., Hunan University, 2014
B.Sc., Hunan University, 2012
Biography
Dr. Chao Zhang is a Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering at Hunan University, China. His research focuses on the mechanics and physics of variably saturated soils and intelligent construction technologies for underground space. His pioneering work on unified effective stress equation for soil has been recognized with the prestigious Norman Medal, the highest honor for a technical paper awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Currently, Dr. Zhang holds the position of Vice Dean for Research at the College of Civil Engineering at Hunan University and serves as an Associate Editor for the Vadose Zone Journal. He is also an active member of committees on unsaturated zones in the American Geophysical Union (AGU), as well as committees on poromechanics, unsaturated soils, and engineering geology in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Dr. Zhang’s dedication to advancing the fields of soil science and geotechnical engineering through research, publication, and service underscores his commitment to academic excellence and professional leadership.
Selected Recognitions
Norman Medal, ASCE, 2021.
Ministry of Education First Prize in Science and Technology Progress Award, 2021.
The Outstanding New Teacher Award of Hunan University, 2021.
Editor’s Choice paper, ASCE Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 2020
Editor’s Choice paper, ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 2020
Wilbur Haas Graduate Research Excellence Award, Michigan Tech, 2017.
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Scholarship, Michigan Tech, 2017.
The Hugo Shong Scholarship, 2012.
Press Release
Peering into Pores: What Happens When Water Meets Soil?
Zhang and Lu earn 2021 Norman Medal