Xuanchi "Tom" Liu | PhD
Melbourne, Australia

Dr Xuanchi “Tom” Liu

Geotechnical & Tailings Engineer · Numerical Modelling Specialist
Former Associate Professor · Chartered Financial Analyst

Bridging geotechnical engineering, numerical modelling, academic research and financial risk analysis for infrastructure decisions.

Dr Xuanchi “Tom” Liu is a Melbourne-based geotechnical and tailings engineer specialising in numerical modelling and infrastructure decision-making. His technical foundation is geotechnical and tailings engineering, strengthened by PhD-level expertise in finite element analysis, porous media and computational mechanics developed through doctoral and postdoctoral research at the University of Melbourne, where he continues to serve as an Honorary Fellow. Beyond this core, he integrates structural engineering, computational biomechanics research, programming and financial analysis to bring a broader, multidisciplinary perspective to infrastructure decision-making.

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Portrait of Dr Xuanchi "Tom" Liu

Technical Core

Geotechnical and tailings engineering, supported by research-grade numerical modelling — the two capabilities at the centre of his consulting practice.

Geotechnical & Tailings Engineering

  • Tailings & dams
  • Mining infrastructure
  • Slope stability
  • Seepage analysis
  • Embankments
  • Foundations & retaining structures
  • Tunnel design
  • Pavements
  • Site investigation
  • Construction-phase support

Numerical Modelling & Advanced Analysis

  • PLAXIS 2D/3D
  • FLAC3D
  • GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W)
  • ABAQUS
  • COMSOL
  • ANSYS
  • WALLAP & L-Pile
  • RocScience (RS2/RS3)
  • Settlement & deformation analysis
  • Excavation & tunnel behaviour
  • Ground-structure interaction
  • Sensitivity analysis & model validation

Supporting Strengths

Capabilities from research, structural engineering, programming and commercial analysis that extend and inform the technical core.

Biomedical Modelling Research

  • Finite element modelling
  • Porous media
  • Biomechanics
  • Material characterisation
  • Model validation
  • Peer-reviewed publications

Structural Engineering Foundation

  • Bridge abutments
  • Retaining structures
  • Load path & design integration
  • Construction supervision
  • SpaceGASS
  • Coordination with structural teams

Programming & Digital Engineering

  • Python
  • MATLAB
  • Machine learning
  • Data analysis & automation
  • Civil 3D
  • Rhino 8 & SolidWorks

Financial Analysis & Infrastructure Risk

  • Financial analysis
  • Risk-return thinking
  • Asset value awareness
  • Cost-risk-constructability
  • Long-term infrastructure decisions