Davide Elmo portrait

Davide Elmo

Professor

Biography 

Rock Engineering Researcher | Bridging Engineering Science with Human-Centered Design

I specialize in advancing rock mechanics and engineering design through cutting-edge numerical modelling and a pioneering approach that integrates human factors into technical decision-making. My research spans critical areas, including discrete fracture network engineering, surface-underground mining interactions, hard-rock pillars analysis, and slope stability analysis. I am a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registered in British Columbia. I authored and co-authored 180+ papers published in leading international journals and conference proceedings  View my Google Scholar Link

Pioneering "Behavioural Rock Engineering"

I study how cognitive biases influence engineering design decisions. This interdisciplinary approach is particularly crucial as our industry increasingly adopts machine learning and AI technologies that rely on qualitative input data. By connecting engineering practice with philosophical principles, my work addresses fundamental questions about uncertainty, knowledge transfer, and the ethical implications of automated decision-making in high-stakes environments.

Real-World Impact

My research directly supports safer, more efficient rock engineering operations across the mining and construction industries. I have contributed to over 170 peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings, reflecting my commitment to advancing the field through rigorous research and knowledge sharing. My work bridges theoretical innovation with practical applications, ensuring research outcomes translate into improved industry practices.

Vision Forward

As engineering becomes increasingly data-driven and automated, understanding the human element in technical decision-making becomes essential for responsible innovation and operational excellence.

Awards

  • 2024 UBC Killam Teaching Award
  • 2023 UBC Faculty of Applied Science Dean's Award for Service
  • 2021 Thomas Roy Award by the Canadian Geotechnical Society for outstanding contributions to Engineering Geology.

Education

  • University of Exeter (UK), 2007, Ph.D
  • University of Portsmouth (UK), 2001, B.Eng.

Teaching

  • MINE 303/590M Rock Mechanics Fundamentals
  • MINE 403 Rock Mechanics Design
  • MINE 505 Advanced Topics Rock Engineering

Selected Publications

  • Li Y, Elmo D. 2025. Reassessing Janssen's equation for cave stress estimation in block cave mining. Mining Technology. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/25726668251337293 

  • Li Y., Elmo D. 2025. Understanding Secondary Fragmentation Characteristics in Cave Mining: A Simulation-Based Analysis of Impact and Compression-Induced Breakage. Geosciences 15 (4), 140

  • Bewick R.P., Elmo D. 2025. Size Effect and Rock Mass Strength. Canadian Geotechnical Journal. 62: 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2024-0531

  • Li Y., Elmo D. 2024. A Critical Discussion on the Use of Discrete Fracture Network Models in Rock Engineering Practice: Why Rock Mass Characterisation Methods can Benefit from Considering Fracture Connectivity. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-024-04049-4

  • Yang B. and Elmo D. 2022. Why Engineers Should Not Attempt to Quantify GSI. Geosciences. 12 (11): 417. 

  • Yang B., A. Mitelman, D. Elmo, D. Stead. 2022. Why the future of rock mass classification systems requires revisiting its empirical past. Published in Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology. 10.1144/qjegh2021-039.

  • Mitelman A., Yang B., Elmo D., Giat T. 2023. Choosing between prediction and explanation in geological engineering: lessons from psychology. Interdisciplinary Science Reviews. doi.org/10.1080/03080188.2023.2234216. (Responsible for reviewing drafts and providing suggestions concerning the analysis).

  • Ojeda P., Elmo D., Rogers S., Brzovic A. 2023. Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) Analysis to Quantify the Reliability of Borehole-Derived Volumetric Fracture Intensity. Geosciences 2023, 13(6), 187. doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13060187.

  • Yang B. and Elmo D. 2022. Why Engineers Should Not Attempt to Quantify GSI. Geosciences, Vol. 12 (11), 417. Mreyen A. Donati D., Elmo D., Donzed F.V., Havenith H.B. 2022. Dynamic numerical modelling of co-seismic landslides using the 3D distinct element method: insights from the Balta rockslide (Romania). Engineering Geology. ENGEO-D-21-01949. 10.2139/ssrn.4001116. 

  • Shapka-Fels T. and Elmo. D. 2022. Numerical modelling challenges in rock engineering with special consideration of open pit to underground mine interaction. Geosciences, Vol. 12(5). doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12050199. 

  • Elmo D., A. Mitelman, B. Yang. 2022. An examination of rock engineering knowledge through a philosophical lens. Geosciences, 12, 174. doi.org/10.3390/geosciences12040174. 

  • Elmo D., D. Stead, Yang B., Marcato G., Borgatti L. 2022. A new approach to characterise the strength of rock bridges. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. Vol. 55, 2251-2569. 10.1007/s00603-021-02488-x. 

  • Yang B., A. Mitelman, D. Elmo, D. Stead. 2022. Why the future of rock mass classification systems requires revisiting its empirical past. Published in Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology. 10.1144/qjegh2021-039. (Corresponding author, responsible for all the editorial work and contributed to approximately 40% of the written content).

  • Elmo D. and Mitelman A. 2021. Modeling concrete fracturing using a hybrid finite-discrete element method. Computers and Concrete. Vol. 27(4): 297-304. https://doi.org/10.12989/cac.2021.27.4.297.

  • Elmo D. and D. Stead. 2020. The role of behavioural factors and cognitive biases in rock engineering. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. Vol. 54 (1):1-20.1007/s00603-021-02385-3

UBC is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm people (Musqueam; which means 'People of the River Grass') and Syilx Okanagan Nation. The land has always been a place of learning for the Musqueam and Syilx peoples, who for millennia have passed on their culture, history and traditions from one generation to the next.

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