Articles

July 2026 G-I Technical Session

Professor
University of Texas at Arlington

Dr. Xinbao (Paul) Yu is a professor of Geotechnical Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington and a registered PE in Texas. Dr. Yu received his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Case Western Reserve University in 2009. Before joining UTA, Dr. Yu was a research associate at the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC). Dr. Yu’s research areas include shallow geothermal energy applications, deep foundations, ground anchors, unsaturated soils, geosynthetics, expansive soils, bridge scour, soil sensors, and slope stability. 

Director, Geotechnical and Pavement Services
WSB Engineering

Dr. Mendez is the Director of Geotechnical and Pavement Services at WSB, where he leads geotechnical, materials, and pavement engineering efforts. He oversees field investigation, laboratory testing, and engineering analysis, integrating subsurface conditions with material behavior to deliver practical, data-driven solutions. He works closely with transportation agencies and other industries to support the development and application of performance-based engineering approaches. He currently serves as President of the ASCE Geo-Institute Oklahoma Chapter and is a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Standing Committee on Geomaterials Behavior and Properties (AKH19). In his free time, Matias enjoys spending time with his wife, playing golf, and watching sports; he is a die-hard OU fan and expects USA, Argentina or Brazil to win the world cup.

Director of Forensic Technical Services
HKA Global

Dr. Li has worked on more than 70 large-scale projects under a range of delivery methods, including design-bid-build, design-build, CM-GC, and public-private partnerships. His expertise includes deep foundations, earth-retaining systems, and geotechnical risk evaluation, with deep involvement in both design development and construction support.
He is also widely recognized for his forensic work, where he evaluates differing site conditions, design deficiencies, and standard-of-care issues in construction disputes. Dr. Li has served as an expert on major infrastructure projects and has participated in mediation, arbitration, and litigation proceedings. In addition to his industry experience, Dr. Li has contributed to academia as an adjunct professor at the University of Texas at Arlington, teaching foundation engineering at both undergraduate and graduate levels. He is an active member of ASCE and several professional organizations, and his work focuses on design, construction, and risk management - particularly in complex geotechnical environments.