
Basic information
Name:Mukhtiar Ali Soomro
Date of birth:11th August, 1981
Degree:PhD
Title:Professor; PhD and Masters supervisor
Research Field: Soil-structure interaction problems such as tunnels, deep excavation, piles, energy piles; Slope stability; Ground improvement and Behaviour of unsaturated soils
E-mail:mukhtiar@cumt.edu.cn
Mobile Number:13813264064
WeChat ID:Prof_soomro
Mailing address: School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, No. 1, Daxue Road, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province (221116)
Biography
Professor Soomro obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree specializing in Geotechnical studies from the Department of Civil Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). Currently, he holds the esteemed position of Professor at China University of Mining and Technology in Xuzhou, China. His research centers on the intriguing realm of soil-structure interaction, with a particular focus on the effects of tunnelling and excavations on various types of adjacent pile foundations and buildings.
As an accomplished supervisor, the Professor has successfully supervised one PhD student and thirteen Masters students, while offering invaluable co-supervision to two additional students. Presently, he is supervising three talented Masters students in the School of Mechanics and Civil Engineering at China University of Mining and Technology in Xuzhou.
The Professor's scholarly contributions are showcased through the publication of twenty-seven notable papers. Among them, twenty-three papers have been published in esteemed English journals such as Geotechnique, Computers and Geotechnics, Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, and other reputable SCI-indexed publications. Additionally, his insights have enriched international conferences, where three of his papers have been embraced by the research community.
Beyond his academic achievements, the Professor has secured three research projects, including one funded by the Chinese Government as part of the Shanghai "Science, Technology and Innovation Action Plan 2019" and "The Belt and Road Initiative" Collaborative project, where he serves as a distinguished Foreign Principal Investigator.
Recognized for his expertise and dedication, the Professor actively contributes to academia as a reviewer for SCI Journals such as the Canadian Geotechnical Journal, Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Transportation Geotechnics, Computer and Geotechnics and others. Additionally, he served as an Associate Editor in the renowned QUEST Research Journal, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted authority in his field.
For any student interested in pursuing his or her Master’s or PhD position under the supervision of Professor Soomro, s/he can reach out to him directly. His expertise in geotechnical studies, particularly in the realm of soil-structure interaction, underground structures, unsaturated slopes, energy pile, embankment, makes him an excellent mentor for aspiring researchers. Furthermore, Professor Soomro actively explores the application of advanced computational methods and numerical modeling in geotechnical engineering. His research involves utilizing finite element analysis, machine learning algorithms, and data-driven approaches to solve complex geotechnical problems. Whether it is exploring innovative research ideas, benefiting from his vast knowledge, or being part of his distinguished supervision, students can contact him to discuss their academic aspirations and potential opportunities for collaboration.
Scientific research projects
1. The lateral bearing deformation behavior and time-dependent reliability of corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete pile foundations in marine environments Funded by Chinese Government under Shanghai “Science, Technology and Innovation Action Plan 2019” “The Belt and Road Initiative” (Collaborative project as a Foreigner Principal Investigator)
2. Field and numerical studies on the performance of high embankment built on soft soil reinforced with piles and stone columns by Higher Education Commission, Pakistan (Principal Investigator)
3. Excavation effects on an adjacent brick masonry wall founded on shallow foundation: Experimental and Numerical study by Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering Science & Technology, Pakistan (Principal Investigator)
4. Feasibility of using cemented-soils (clayey silts) for canal embankments funded by Higher Education Commission, Pakistan (Co-Principal Investigator)
List of publications
International Refereed Journals
1. Soomro, M. A., Xu, T., Cui, Z. D., Darban, S. A., Mangi, N., & Zhao, C. (2026). Stress redistribution and deformation mechanisms in piled embankments subjected to excavation in clay. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 168, 107099.
2. Soomro, M. A., Dai, M., Liu, K., Cui, Z. D., Mangi, N., & Darban, S. A. (2025). Predicting responses of a single pile considering lateral load to tunnelling induced ground movement: Analytical and numerical insights. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics.
3. Soomro, M. A. (2025). Influence of twin stacked tunnels on the performance of laterally loaded pile group. Canadian Geotechnical Journal, 62, 1-23.
4. Soomro, M. A., Xiong, S., Cui, Z. D., Zhao, C., & Mangi, N. (2025). Piled-supported embankment responses to tunnelling in soft ground: An investigation of settlement and load transfer mechanisms. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 156, 106241. (
5. Soomro, M. A., Xiong, S., Mangnejo, D. A., Karira, H., & Darban, S. A. (2025). Evaluating the interaction between tunnel excavation and battered piles: Effects of depth and position using 3D numerical analysis. Geomechanics and Engineering, 395-410.
6. Soomro, M. A., Zhu, Z., Aslam, M. S., Bilal, H., Yahya, A., & Badruddin, I. A. (2025). 3D numerical modeling of the deformation and failure mechanisms of batter pile groups subjected to fault ruptures. Scientific Reports, 15(1), 2988.
7. Soomro, M. A., Ziqing, Z., Darban, S. A., & Cui, Z. D. (2025). A machine learning approach for predicting the impact of normal fault ruptures on batter pile foundations. Geomechanics & engineering, 40(3), 193-204.
8. Soomro, M. A., Xiong, S., Mangi, N., Mangnejo, D. A., & Darban, S. A. (2024). Enhancing foundation bearing capacity in waterlogged ground for sustainable building construction. Geomechanics and Engineering, 39(4), 407-423.
9. Soomro, M. A., Dai, M., Cui, Z. D., Mangi, N., Mangnejo, D. A., & Zhao, C. (2024). Impact of twin stacked tunnels on laterally loaded pile groups: An emphasis on settlement and load transfer mechanisms using centrifuge and numerical modelling. In Structures (Vol. 70, p. 107746).
10. Soomro, M. A., Mangi, N., Cui, Z. D., Liu, K., & Mangnejo, D. A. (2024). Evaluation of response mechanisms in an elevated pile group subjected to lateral loading caused by twin-tunnelling. Computers and Geotechnics, 171, 106334.
11. Soomro, M. A., Liu, K., Cui, Z. D., Mangi, N., & Mangnejo, D. A. (2024). Insights from 3D numerical simulations on the impact of tunnelling on vertical and battered pile groups under lateral loading. Computers and Geotechnics, 169, 106195.
12. Soomro, M. A., Mangnejo, D. A. & Mangi, N. (2023). Investigation of crack growth in a brick masonry wall due to twin perpendicular excavations. Geomechanics and Engineering, 34(3), 251-265.
13. Soomro, M. A., Mangnejo, D. A. Mangi, N. & Zhang, Z. (2023). The responses of battered pile to tunnelling at different depths relative to the pile length. Geomechanics and Engineering, 35(6).
14. Soomro, M. A., Kumar, M., Mangi, N., Mangnejo, D. A., & (2022). Parametric study of twin tunneling effects on piled foundations in stiff clay: 3D finite-element approach. International Journal of Geomechanics, 22(6), 04022079.
15. Soomro, M. A., Liu, K., Mangnejo, D. A., & Mangi, N. (2022). Effects of twin excavations with different construction sequence on a brick masonry wall: 3D finite element approach. In Structures, Vol. 41, pp. 866-886).
16. Soomro, M. A., Mangi, N., Memon, A. H., & Mangnejo, D. A. (2022). Responses of high-rise building resting on piled raft to adjacent tunnel at different depths relative to piles. Geomechanics and Engineering, 29(1), 25-40
17. Soomro, M. A., Mangnejo, D. A., Saand, A., Mangi, N., & Auchar Zardari, M. (2022). Influence of stress relief due to deep excavation on a brick masonry wall: 3D numerical predictions. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 26(15), 7621-7644.
18. Soomro, M. A., Liu, K., Mangnejo, D. A., & Mangi, N. (2022). Effects of twin excavations with different construction sequence on a brick masonry wall: 3D finite element approach. In Structures, Vol. 41, pp. 866-886.
19. Soomro, M. A., Kumar, M., Mangi, N., Mangnejo, D. A., & Cui, Z. D. (2022). Parametric study of twin tunneling effects on piled foundations in stiff clay: 3D finite-element approach. International Journal of Geomechanics, 22(6), 04022079.
20. Soomro, M. A., Mangi, N., Memon, A. H., & Mangnejo, D. A. (2022). Responses of high-rise building resting on piled raft to adjacent tunnel at different depths relative to piles. Geomechanics and Engineering, 29(1), 025.
21. Soomro, M. A., Mangnejo, D. A., Saand, A., Mangi, N., & Auchar Zardari, M. (2021). Influence of stress relief due to deep excavation on a brick masonry wall: 3D numerical predictions. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 1-24.
22. Soomro, M. A., Mangnejo, D. A., Saand, A., & Mangi, N. (2021). 3D numerical analysis of a masonry façade subjected to excavation-induced ground deformation. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 1-13.
23. Soomro, M. A., Mangnejo, D. A., Saand, A., & Hong, Y. (2021). Responses of a masonry façade to multi-propped deep excavation-induced ground deformations: 3D numerical parametric study. European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering, 1-29.
24. Soomro, M. A., Mangi, Mangnejo, D. A. & Memon, N. A., (2021). 3D centrifuge and numerical modelling of lateral responses of a vertical loaded pile group to twin stacked tunnels. Accepted in European Journal of Environmental and Civil Engineering
25. Soomro, M. A. (2021). 3D finite element analysis of effects of twin stacked tunnels at different depths and with different construction sequence on a piled raft. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 109, 103759.
26. Soomro, M. A., Mangi, N., Cheng, W. C., & Mangnejo, D. A. (2020). The Effects of Multipropped Deep Excavation-Induced Ground Movements on Adjacent High-Rise Building Founded on Piled Raft in Sand. Advances in Civil Engineering, 2020.
27. Soomro, M. A., Mangi, N., Xiong, H., Kumar, M., & Mangnejo, D. A. (2020). Centrifuge and numerical modelling of stress transfer mechanisms and settlement of pile group due to twin stacked tunnelling with different construction sequences. Computers and Geotechnics, 121, 103449.
28. Soomro, M. A., Kumar, M., Xiong, H., Mangnejo, D. A., & Mangi, N. (2020). Investigation of effects of different construction sequences on settlement and load transfer mechanism of single pile due to twin stacked tunnelling. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 96, 103171.
Conference Papers
1. Soomro, M. A., D. Mašín and Ng, C. W. W. (2016). "Three-dimensional response of a pile group due to tunnel advancement at different C/D ratios" 13th International Conference Underground Construction Prague 2016
2. Ng, C. W. W., Soomro, M. A. and Peng, S. Y. (2012). “Centrifuge modelling of the effects of twin tunnelling on a loaded pile group” Proc. of the 32nd Geotechnical Division’s Annual Seminar, 25th May, Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE)
3. Soomro, M. A. and Ng, C. W. W. (2010). “Study of the capacity of a pile group due to tunnelling by three-dimensional numerical analysis”. Proc. of 4th International Conf. on Geotechnical Engg: and Soil Mechanics, 4th Nov, Tehran, Iran.