Kenichi Soga

Kenichi’s research focuses on infrastructure sensing through distributing optics sensing, wireless sensor network, energy harvesting, and computer vision. He also focuses on energy geotechnics, city-scale modeling of infrastructure systems, performance-based design and maintenance of underground structures, and geotechnics from micro to macro. Soga’s research group is interested in developing new monitoring technologies, which will provide insight into the behavior of infrastructure, detect anomalies, and provide data for performance analyses. They are also conducting research on city-scale modeling and simulations to evaluate the value of sensing for better management of infrastructure during operation as well as for better response during and after natural disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires. Here are a few of the research projects Soga is currently working on below: 

• Sensing Technologies - Sensor technologies and methodologies are developed to transform the future of infrastructure and geomechanics through smart information. The data gathered permits an assessment of the behavior of the infrastructure in its environment and allows performance analyses. The group develops, tests, and delivers new robust, resilient, and adaptable technologies, such as distributed fiber optic sensors (DFOS), wireless sensor network (WSN), energy harvesting, and computer vision.
• City-Scale Modeling - In the city-scale modeling group, Soga’s team develops scientific simulation models to capture the behaviors of infrastructures and integrate them into a “system of systems” model to obtain insights. Wildfire is a recurring natural disaster in California and many parts of the world. The pathway to improve the current planning and operation is a complex socio-technical process that spans the environment, the organization, and communications structures, as well as the human behaviors before, during, and after emergency situations. In this theme, Soga’s research group has developed/deployed three interconnected models on the fire progression, communications process, and traffic evacuations. We have teamed up with designers, game developers, social scientists, fire and traffic agencies, as well as local communities to achieve a streamlined process from academic research to social impacts.
• Computational Geomechanics - Soga’s team conducts research in the field of computational geomechanics utilizing a variety of methods, including the Material point method (MPM), Finite element method (FEM), and Lattice element method (LEM) in research and consulting applications such as landslides, slope failures, tunneling, soil-pipeline interactions, geothermal energy, and deep borehole drilling.
• Shallow Geothermal Energy - Shallow geothermal energy is an emerging renewable green energy that can provide heating and cooling for buildings in a safe, non-emitting, and affordable way, thus reducing the dependence on natural gas. Soga’s research group is exploring the potential of shallow geothermal energy through in-situ geothermal investigation, city-scale geothermal simulation and optimization, and the development of an advanced energy delivery system.
• Machine Learning for Construction and Infrastructure - Soga's team utilizing and developing data analytics techniques to better understand and solve complex problems in underground construction and infrastructure.