Dr. Liel's research program develops and applies novel methods for structural engineering design and assessment to improve the safety and sustainability of structures under extreme loads. Dr. Liel's research team creates complex nonlinear models of structural behavior in response to earthquake, snow and other loads to quantify the risk of collapse, damage or other outcomes of interest. These assessments result in probabilistic metrics of structural performance that provide the foundation for the development of innovative methods to identify vulnerable construction types or communities and to evaluate or improve design and mitigation strategies. Three central ongoing areas of research are: 1) collapse risk and retrofit strategies for older potentially dangerous concrete buildings, 2) effects of liquefaction on building structures and tradeoffs associated with mitigation and 3) effects of induced earthquakes on buildings and infrastructure.
