Research

Research Interests

My research falls in smart and resilient structural and construction engineering. My research interests include:

• Infrastructure inspection, monitoring, and maintenance
• AI and digital twin technologies for structural design and nondestructive testing
• Innovative modular structures
• Construction automation

Research Opportunities

• Student Openings: Multiple positions are available in my research team for the MPhil/PhD program (at HKUST) or MASc/PhD program (at UBC), which are expected to work on the development of AI and smart technologies to address structural and construction engineering problems. Prospective students should have a suitable academic background in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, robotics, applied mathematics, or related disciplines. Preference will be given to students with prior knowledge and experience in 1) programming of AI, robotics, computer vision, point cloud analysis, Building Information Modelling (BIM) such as Pytorch, OpenCV, Open3D, ROS, MATLAB, Dynamo BIM, IfcOpenShell, Unity, Unreal Engine, etc. 2) structural analysis software such as OpenSees, Abaqus, Ansys, Etabs, etc. 3) hands-on experimental testing such as quasi-static tests, shake table tests, hybrid simulation tests, etc. Please email me your CV and transcripts if you are interested.
• Research Collaboration Potential: I am co-investigating multiple research projects with a focus on 1) digital twin solutions for construction automation. 2) AI-empowered structural design, testing, and maintenance. 3) design and assessment of modular timber and steel structures. Interested and self-motivated researchers are welcome to contact me to discuss collaboration opportunities (remote/on-site/hybrid mode).

Publications

I have published over 30 technical articles including top journal papers in Computer-aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Engineering Structures, Journal of Building Engineering, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics, and Thin-walled Structures, etc. Selected journal publications are listed below (in reverse chronological order).

• Tavasoli, S., Poorghasem, S., Pan, X., Yang T. Y., Bao Y. (2024). Autonomous indoor navigation and survivor detection using low-cost micro aerial vehicles. Computer-aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering.
• Li, C., Su, R., Pan, X. (2024). Assessment of out-of-plane structural defects using parallel laser line scanning system. Computer-aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering. 39(6), 834-851.
• Vaze, S., Yang, T. Y., Bagatini-Cachuco, F., Pan, X. (2024). Experimental and numerical investigations of cold-form steel corrugated walls under combined in-plane shear and axial loads. Thin-Walled Structures. 198, 111677.
• Pan, X., Tavasoli, S., Yang, T. Y. (2023). Autonomous 3D vision-based bolt loosening assessment using micro aerial vehicles. Computer-aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering. 1-12.
• Pan, X., Yang, T. Y. (2023). 3D vision-based out-of-plane displacement quantification for steel plate structures using structure from motion, deep learning, and point cloud processing. Computer-aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering. 38, 547– 561.
• Pan, X., Yang, T. Y., Xiao, Y., Yao, H., & Adeli, H. (2023). Vision-based real-time structural vibration measurement through interactive deep-learning-based detection and tracking methods. Engineering Structures. 281, 115676.
• Pan, X., Yang, T. Y. (2023). 3D vision-based bolt loosening quantification using photogrammetry, deep learning, and point-cloud processing. Journal of Building Engineering. 106326.
• Tavasoli, S., Pan, X., Yang, T. Y. (2023). Real-time autonomous indoor navigation and vision-based damage assessment of reinforced concrete structures using low-cost nano aerial vehicles. Journal of Building Engineering. 106193.
• Pan, X., & Yang, T. Y. (2022). Image-based monitoring of bolt loosening through deep-learning-based integrated detection and tracking. Computer-aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 37(10), 1207-1222.
• Xiao, Y., Pan, X., Yang, T. Y. (2022). Nonlinear backstepping hierarchical control of shake table using high-gain observer, Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics. 51: 3347– 3366.
• Pan, X., Yang T.Y. (2020). Postdisaster image-based damage detection and repair cost estimation of reinforced concrete buildings using dual convolutional neural networks. Computer-aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, 35:495–510.
• Pan, X., Málaga-Chuquitaype C (2020). Seismic control of rocking structures via external resonators. Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics. 49:1180-1196. (Top Cited Article)
• Yang, T. Y., Li, T., Tobber, L., & Pan, X. (2020). Experimental and numerical study of honeycomb structural fuses. Engineering Structures, 204, 109814.