Ning Lu

Ning Lu is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines, College of Engineering and Computational Sciences. His work focuses on fundamental soil physical processes in variably saturated porous media, with applications in geotechnical and environmental engineering.

Research Interests: Dr. Lu's research spans unsaturated soil mechanics, vadose zone hydrology, slope stability, and soil-water interaction. He investigates fluid flow, chemical transport, heat transfer, stress, and deformation across scales—from atomic potentials to engineering-scale behavior. His work addresses critical problems such as expansive soil damage, nuclear waste containment, and shallow landslides induced by rainfall.

His recent publications (2016–2024) reflect a cohesive research program advancing the theoretical foundations of soil physics. Key themes include re-evaluating classical concepts like pore water pressure, developing unified models for soil water retention and hydraulic conductivity, and introducing suction stress as a critical variable for slope instability prediction. These works appear in leading journals such as the Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering and Reviews of Geophysics, indicating sustained high-impact contributions to the field.

Scientific Awards:

• Karl Terzaghi Award, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2023
• Norman Medal, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2021
• Maurice Biot Medal, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2017
• Ralph B. Peck Medal, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2017
• Practice Paper of the Year Award, GTJ, ASTM, 2016
• J.J. Croes Medal, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2010

Advising and Grants: While specific students and grants are not listed, Dr. Lu has authored two influential textbooks—Unsaturated Soil Mechanics (2004) and Hillslope Hydrology and Stability (2012)—indicating significant educational leadership and mentorship. His service on the National Academies committee for Spirit Lake/Toutle River system (2016–2017) reflects engagement in national-level environmental and engineering policy.

Labs and Teams: Although no specific lab or team name is provided, his research program involves experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches to soil physics, likely supported by a research group at Colorado School of Mines.