“When I see these amazing infrastructures being built, I have always imagined one day I can be involved,” said UBC Civil Engineering Professor Dr. Tony Yang.
As a leader in structural and earthquake engineering and a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Yang is committed to advancing the field with innovative research.
After completing his studies in the US, Yang moved to UBC around 15 years ago. His journey into structural engineering is marked by curiosity and a fascination for the resilience of structures in the face of natural disasters.
The next generation of infrastructure systems
Throughout his career, Yang has engaged in research initiatives advancing simulation and experimental testing. By developing sophisticated computer programs to simulate structural behaviour under extreme loads such as earthquakes, wind and fire, Yang’s insights have helped inform the creation of high-performance structural systems.
Today, Yang leads an inclusive team of around 50 UBC graduate students, visiting professors and PhD candidates to bring these high-performance structures to life.
Yang was recently awarded $812,000 in industrial funding from Rogers, Mitacs and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for his work in 5G-enabled smart construction, robotic automation and AI-driven inspections.
“We are developing the next generation [of] structure system[s]. They are faster to build, more environmentally friendly and of course, seismic safe,” he said.
Yang said traditional construction practices are often labour-intensive and time-consuming but the industry is transforming with the integration of robotic automation and AI-driven inspections. These additions to the field not only address labour, but also reduce environmental impacts and allow 5G-operated sites to be remotely managed.
During demonstrations, Yang and the team operate in a controlled environment to secure the area with the machine turned off. “But on an actual construction site, it’s not always possible to isolate everything,” Yang explained, underscoring the critical need for flexibility. “We need to make sure in the harsh rain or snow tide, they can work as well.”
To achieve this, developing advanced algorithms is crucial to enable these machines to function safely in adverse weather, allowing them to be deployed in any environment while ensuring safety and efficiency.
With ongoing efforts to enhance these algorithms, Yang’s vision for the future of 5G construction aims to build resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges posed by nature and society.
Tracking construction in real-time
Another major component of Yang’s work is the integration of AI-powered robotic systems in infrastructure inspection and evaluation maintenance, a move crucial for preventing and adapting to emergencies.
By leveraging satellite technology and autonomous navigation, these robots can inspect buildings and surrounding environments and can help mitigate casualties by, for example, shutting down elevators and gas pipes during potential disasters like earthquakes, enhancing building preparedness, safety and reliability.
“Now the building is smarter so that it can actually have better ways to adapt,” said Yang.
Yang and his team allocated their funding from Rogers to develop a remote 5G platform capable of assessing building integrity and detecting structural failures, significantly minimizing the need for invasive internal evaluations.
“You would know at every moment what machines are where, what the machine is doing, where the materials are, and where the workers are in real-time,” said Yang.
At the core of his research are values and principles that prioritize tackling physical barriers to construction efficiency to address well-being. And in BC, this means bypassing local labour shortages and streamlining the construction of more homes amidst the province’s ongoing housing crisis, while ensuring these structures are earthquake-proof in a region that experiences significant seismic activity.
Sustainability and safety
Yang believes that 5G construction can help address labour shortages and housing issues by enhancing efficiency and speed.
The technologies Yang’s research develops aim to reduce the environmental impact of construction practices while maintaining high levels of safety and durability. By adhering to these values, Yang envisions a future where intelligent structures not only withstand nature's challenges but also contribute to a safer, more sustainably built environment.
As the designer behind the seismic safety upgrades at the UBC Museum of Anthropology (MOA), Yang implemented base isolation technology. The building is isolated from seismic activity by cutting all the foundations and putting the building on rollers.
“This is like putting your building on wheels, so if the ground shakes, the building won’t feel the vibration,” Yang explained.
MOA is the first museum in Canada to incorporate base isolation, protecting its collections from earthquakes.
As Yang and his team push the boundaries of what’s possible in construction and engineering, their commitment to safety, sustainability and innovation is setting a new standard for civil engineering. From AI-driven inspections to earthquake-resistant structures, the future of construction is not only smarter but more resilient, efficient and human-centred.
“AI is here to support and assist humans, allowing us to do more and do it better.”
Share this article
First online
