Dr Li is mainly fascinated in developing and applying (1) probabilistic and statistical methods to engineering risk/reliability problems, and (2) optimization methods to inverse engineering problems in the field of structural engineering. Engineering risk assessment consists of uncertainty quantification and propagation through physics-based (e.g., nonlinear finite element) and/or data-based modeling. This serves to assist decision-making in the process of probability-based design, retrofit, and maintenance in the face of uncertainty. He is also extensively involved with inverse engineering problems (e.g., structural design optimization, nonlinear FE model updating using field-recorded and experimental data). Specifically, his research interests includes:

• Mechanics-based nonlinear FE simulation
• Stochastic modeling of natural hazard loads
• Probabilistic mechanics and dynamics
• Risk and reliability analysis
• Soil-structure interaction
• Performance-based engineering and innovative engineering solutions
• Nonlinear system identification and model updating
• Statistical learning for health monitoring
• High throughput computing