Research

Coastal Building Resilience & Hydrodynamic Loading

This research investigates the structural vulnerability and hydrodynamic loading of buildings exposed to extreme water-related hazards, including tsunamis and hurricane-driven storm surges, waves, and debris impacts. The approach combines large-scale physical experiments—such as wave flume testing using NHERI infrastructure—with advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and probabilistic surrogate modeling. A key focus is examining debris loads, non-stationary urban shorelines, overland flow, and the forces acting on structures. By systematically quantifying these complex fluid-structure interactions, debris damming effects, and underlying uncertainties, this work provides data-driven insights to improve coastal building standards and community resilience.

Resilience of Above-Ground Storage Tanks (ASTs) to Flood Hazards

My research in this thrust focuses on evaluating and enhancing the safety and structural performance of above-ground storage tanks under extreme environmental hazards, including hurricanes, storm surges, and severe flooding. Industrial storage assets in coastal energy corridors are highly vulnerable to complex failure modes such as shell buckling, tank uplift, flotation, and pipe-connection tearing. To address these challenges, I develop advanced probabilistic modeling frameworks and structural fragility assessments to quantify vulnerability under combined wind and hydrodynamic loads. By investigating innovative mitigation strategies—such as optimized anchoring systems, tank-shell reinforcement, and operational management protocols—this work provides critical insights and actionable engineering solutions to prevent catastrophic containment loss and mitigate environmental risks.

Interdependent Modeling of Infrastructure and Communities

This research area extends into a holistic, interdependent modeling framework that captures how infrastructure performance and surrounding communities mutually affect one another. Climate-driven disruptions—such as bridge closures or tank displacement—can cascade across interconnected systems to impact fuel distribution, mobility, industrial operations, and public safety. To evaluate these systemic effects, multi-layer infrastructure–community models are developed by integrating structural fragility, transportation accessibility, energy-system performance, and socio-economic vulnerability. Utilizing systems reliability analysis, spatial risk modeling, and social impact assessment, this work quantifies both direct physical damage and indirect consequences like service interruptions, environmental exposure, and recovery inequities, particularly for frontline and disadvantaged populations. Ultimately, this framework supports regional, risk-informed planning by identifying critical interdependencies, prioritizing adaptation investments, and guiding equitable resilience strategies that position infrastructure resilience as both an engineering and environmental justice challenge.