Chenying Liu - Research

My research is at the forefront of an exhilarating fusion between performance-based earthquake engineering, physics-informed machine learning, Bayesian statistics, and probablistic programming. By combining these cutting-edge methodologies with advanced numerical simulations and high-performance computing, I strive to push the boundaries of our fundamental understanding of how geo-hazards interact with geotechnical systems under extreme loading events and the stressors of climate change. In collaboration with esteemed multi-institutional research endeavors, such as the U.S. non-ergodic seismic hazard group, I am passionately dedicated to advancing the state of the art in seismic hazard assessment. Additionally, I collaborate with the renowned Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center, aiming to create groundbreaking ground motion models in subduction zones as part of the groundbreaking NGA-Sub project. Together, we embark on an extraordinary journey into the very heart of nature's forces, exploring the intricate connections between geohazards and geotechnical systems with unprecedented depth and precision. The fruits of our research promise to revolutionize the way we approach seismic risk assessment and pave the way for a safer and more resilient future in the face of engineering challenges.

Empowering Resilient Design through Cutting-Edge Seismic Hazard Assessment

The estimation of the seismic demand is a key input to improve the resilience of infrastructure systems (dams, tunnels, lifelines, bridges, buildings, etc.) against earthquakes. In addition, it is essential for mitigation plans and ultimately to improve the sustainability of urban centers that are affected by earthquakes or multi-hazards coupled with earthquakes (e.g., liquefaction, landslides, sea-level rise, etc.). In my research, I have developed new ground motion models for subduction zones in collaboration with the NGASub project, and I have also developed implementations for non-ergodic based seismic hazard assessments in collaboration with the U.S. Non-ergodic research group.

Advancing Seismic Performance Assessment for Slope Systems

Earthquake-induced slope failures, affecting natural slopes, earth systems like water dams, and waste storage systems such as tailings dams, have had devastating consequences on both our infrastructure and human lives in recent times. Notable instances include the 2008 Wenchuan and 2015 Gorkha earthquakes, which triggered seismically-induced landslides, resulting in an estimated 20,120 fatalities. Additionally, during the 2011 Maule earthquake, the failure of the Las Palmas tailings dam in Chile caused fatalities and significant environmental degradation in the surrounding areas. Therefore, safeguarding slope systems against earthquake forces is of paramount importance to mitigate potential damage. My research significantly contributes to this crucial goal by employing cutting-edge techniques, including machine learning, numerical modeling, and thorough case history analysis, to develop innovative performance-based engineering procedures. These advancements aim to enhance the resilience of slope systems and thereby minimize the impact of earthquake-induced failures on our communities and environment.

Liquefaction-induced Damage on Infrastructure Systems

Liquefaction-induced damage has proven devastating to infrastructure during major earthquakes, leading to settlements, tilting, and even the collapse of previously stable buildings. The impact extends to buried pipelines being torn apart, igniting fires, and triggering lateral spreading that results in undesired movements of structures, such as bridges, roads, and retaining walls. In my research, I am dedicated to enhancing the fundamental understanding of liquefaction across micro, macro, and meso scales. By bridging this knowledge, I aim to develop comprehensive performance-based procedures for evaluating liquefaction-induced damage to civil infrastructure. These innovative procedures hold the potential to significantly fortify infrastructure resilience and minimize the far-reaching consequences of liquefaction during seismic events.

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