Lecturer in Civil Engineering
College of Science and Engineering
Dr. Hongyu Qin earned his Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Zhengzhou University, Master in Geotechnical Engineering at Hohai University in China and PhD in Geotechnical Engineering at Griffith University. Prior to joining Flinders University, he served as a Lecturer at Griffith University. Dr. Qin leads both teaching and research initiatives in Geotechnical Engineering and is the Discipline Lead in Civil Engineering for the CSE Engineering Honours Masters Thesis and Projects. His research focuses primarily on three areas: (1) behaviour and mechanical properties of geomaterials; (2) pile foundations for renewable energy; and (3) Measurement While Drilling (MWD). Dr. Qin collaborates and interacts closely with industry. His research has contributed to the design of foundation systems. Notably, the algorithms and solutions he developed have been licensed to industry partners, contributing to the development of an Engineering Calculator APP. This innovative tool accelerates calculation tasks, offering more precise estimates within a performance-based design framework. Market testing of the APP indicates acceptance by governing bodies as a compliant tool with industry codes. In recent years, he has expanded his focus to include MWD and Machine Learning, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in the field.
Honours and Awards
Industry Funded Grants
Investigative Drilling Workshop
A one-day workshop was held at Tonsley on 4 July to share the findings of research on Investigative Drilling. The event was well attended, bringing together around 45 in-person participants and a further 12–15 joining online.
The aim of the workshop was to foster collaboration between industry, government, academia, and standards organisations to advance the use of Measurement While Drilling (MWD) technology. This technology can improve drilling efficiency, enable better interpretation of stratigraphic features, and support the estimation of ground properties — with a particular focus on renewable energy applications.
The program highlighted current MWD technologies, implementation on various drill rigs, interpretation of MWD data using machine learning, and case studies demonstrating the application of MWD for renewable energy projects, such as transmission line developments. The workshop featured keynote presentations from two international academics and insights from local industry leaders.
The event provided an important platform for building partnerships that could lead to significant advancements in the field. The workshop was supported by the CSE Workshop Support Grant, industry partner Civil Group Drilling and Construction, and collaborators including CMW, GHD, GETC, and the HDR Engagement Office at Flinders University.
For further information, please contact Hongyu Qin at hongyu.qin@flinders.edu.au.