<p>The geometry and connectivity of induced fracture networks in hydraulic fracturing have an important impact on gas or oil flow pathways. To simulate hydraulic fracture propagation in deep geological formations, a novel hydro-mechanically coupled cohesive zone model is proposed. In this model, the pressure-dependent mechanical behavior of rocks is considered based on the bilinear cohesive constitutive law. The flow of fracturing fluid within the opening cracks is characterized by the lubrication equation. The fluid pressure is determined by solving the linear equations related to the crack apertures and their time derivatives, and is then incorporated into the cohesive elements as a cohesive traction. The hydro-mechanically coupled cohesive zone model is implemented through the user subroutine in Abaqus (i.e. VUMAT). The accuracy and validity of the hydro-mechanically coupled model are verified by comparing the predictions with the analytical solutions of the Kristianovich–Geertsma–de Klerk problem and the interaction between hydraulic and natural fractures, as well as the experimental observations from hydraulic fracturing tests in the laboratory. Furthermore, the comprehensive parametric studies are conducted using the validated model to evaluate the effects of the geomechanical parameters (i.e. rock tensile strength and in situ stress) and the engineering controls (i.e. injection condition, wellbore spacing, and perforation angle) on the fracture propagation and the fluid pressure during the hydraulic fracturing. The results indicate that higher in-situ stress suppresses fracture propagation, while increased tensile strength results in more localized fracture growth.</p>