Physical AI for Geotechnics:
Large Langage Model, Diffusion model and Generative AI, UAV robotics, Computer vision, Quantum Sensing
Distributed Fibre Optic Sensing, Edge-AI and Smartphone Sensing
Geothermal Infrastructure:
Geothermal tunnel and retaining wall, Geothermal tunnel distribution
Generative AI and Large Langage Model for Civil Infrastructure:
Neng Wang, Bowen Jiang, Camillo J. Taylor, Zili Li*. (2026) Diffusion-Enhanced Semantic Segmentation: A Novel Framework for Underground Crack Detection, Automation in Construction, Volume 182, February 2026, 106721
Shuoshuo Xu, Kai Zhao, James Loney, Zili Li, Andrea Visentin (2025) Image-Based Large Language Model Approach to Road Pavement Monitoring, Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, https://doi.org/10.1111/mice.70075
Quantum Sensing for Geoengineering:
Founder and Director of Quantum Sensing Lab
Chuanyang Peng, Chao Wang*, Zili Li, Review of geophysical data acquisition methods for underground feature detection and future trends, Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 163 (2025) 106731 (won John Murphy Postgraduate Research Fellowship – the best student journal paper Award in UCC Civil Engineering Discipline in 2024)
Geothermal tunnel and district heating:
Mohammad Sameti, Tao Fan, Anna Volkova, Zili Li*, Large-scale climate-neutral district heating and cooling: 5th generation thermal energy distribution in tunnels, Energy Conversion and Management: X, Volume 30, May 2026, 101552
Distributed fibre optic sensing:
Xiao, Z., Di Murro V., Osborne, Zhu, Hong-Hu, Li Z.*, (2024), Distributed fibre optic sensing and novel data processing method for tunnel circumferential deformation – a case study of an ageing tunnel at CERN, Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, Volume 153, 2024, 106014
Computer vision and UAV robotics:
