Mr Qianli Zheng

Higher Degree by Research Candidate

School of Civil Engineering and Construction

College of Engineering and Information Technology


Mr. Qianli Zheng is a PhD candidate at the Adelaide University specialising in geotechnical engineering. His research focuses on electro-osmosis (EO) for the consolidation and dewatering of low-permeability geomaterials, including fine-grained soils and tailings. He integrates laboratory experiments with multi-physics numerical modelling to investigate coupled hydro–electro–chemical–mechanical processes. His work aims to advance both fundamental understanding and practical solutions for sustainable soil improvement and dewatering applications.

My research focuses on electro-osmosis as a technique for the consolidation and dewatering of low-permeability geomaterials, particularly fine-grained soils and tailings. These materials are often difficult to treat using conventional drainage methods because of their very low hydraulic conductivity and complex pore-water behaviour. Electro-osmosis (EO) provides an alternative approach by driving water migration under an applied electric field, offering considerable potential for geotechnical and environmental applications.

A major part of my work involves investigating the coupled hydro–electro–chemical–mechanical processes that govern electro-osmotic behaviour. This includes laboratory testing, theoretical analysis, and multi-physics numerical modelling. Through these approaches, I examine phenomena such as fluid flow, ionic transport, electrochemical reactions, chemical front development, cracking, and the influence of interfacial effects on dewatering performance.

I also study electrode passivation and electrode/material modification strategies to improve the efficiency, reliability, and durability of electro-osmotic systems. The overall aim of my research is to develop robust and engineering-oriented models that can better explain electro-osmotic mechanisms and support the practical design of sustainable soil improvement and dewatering technologies.

Language Competency
Chinese (Mandarin) Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review
English Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review

Date Institution name Country Title
UNSW Sydney Australia Master

Year Citation
2026 Zheng, Q., Deng, A., & Jaksa, M. (2026). Modeling instantaneous interfacial voltage drop in electroosmosis. Electrochimica Acta, 548, 147987-1-147987-11.
DOI
2025 Zheng, Q., Deng, A., & Jaksa, M. (2025). Modeling of soil cracks in electroosmosis. Computers and Geotechnics, 184, 107283-1-107283-21.
DOI Scopus3 WoS2
2024 Lu, B., Sheil, B. B., Zhao, W., Jia, P., Zheng, Q., & Bai, Q. (2024). Earth pressure in sandy soils above the pipe-roof structure: Experimental and theoretical investigation. Computers and Geotechnics, 173, 14 pages.
DOI Scopus11 WoS9
2023 Lu, B., Jia, P., Zhao, W., Zheng, Q., Du, X., & Tang, X. (2023). Longitudinal mechanical force mechanism and structural design of steel tube slab structures. TUNNELLING AND UNDERGROUND SPACE TECHNOLOGY, 132, 27 pages.
DOI WoS16

Year Citation
2026 Zheng, Q., Deng, A., & Jaksa, M. (2026). A two-dimensional coupled hydro–electro–chemical model for electro-osmotic dewatering.
DOI

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