In this episode, I talk with Rajat Gangrade, PhD, PE, technical advisor in geotech and tunneling at HNTB, about tackling spatial uncertainty in geotechnical engineering. Discover how advanced modeling, data visualization, and cutting-edge tools are transforming risk assessment and decision-making.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Rajat:
- How do you approach measuring spatial uncertainty and variability in geotechnical projects, and why is it crucial for tunnel design?
- What are your thoughts on the challenges of horizontal drilling compared to vertical drilling?
- How does spatial variability affect risk and decision-making in large infrastructure projects?
- What strategies work best for explaining project uncertainty to different stakeholders?
- Are engineers required to use probabilistic methods in geotechnical reports, or is it optional?
- How are automation and digital tools changing the geotechnical and tunneling industries?
- Are digital twins being used in tunneling projects, or is it still a developing trend?
- How does receiving the UCA Young Member Award influence your role as a mentor in the tunneling industry?
- What advice would you give to engineers aiming to grow in geotechnical and tunneling fields and keep up with industry changes?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Innovative Solutions for Spatial Uncertainty in Tunnel Construction:
- Quantifying spatial uncertainty is essential for understanding how ground conditions vary and assessing the risks they pose to tunnels. This process supports informed design and excavation strategies, helping to minimize financial and technical risks throughout a project’s lifespan.
- Accurate representation of ground conditions is critical for both horizontal and vertical drilling, as any misrepresentation can lead to costly delays or failures. Horizontal drilling presents unique challenges due to variations in soil and rock conditions along the alignment, requiring robust probabilistic methods to manage risks effectively.
- Spatial variability directly impacts the uncertainty of ground conditions, influencing both risk assessment and decision-making. Probabilistic approaches allow engineers to quantify this uncertainty and reduce unexpected outcomes during project execution.
- Using probabilities to provide confidence levels and leveraging visualizations to simplify complex data are effective ways to explain uncertainty. These strategies help stakeholders clearly understand risks and support informed decision-making without relying on lengthy or overly technical reports.
- Probabilistic methods are not currently mandated in geotechnical reports but offer significant benefits. Incorporating these approaches helps engineers quantify uncertainties, improving risk assessment and decision-making across projects.
- Automation and digital tools streamline repetitive tasks and enable more efficient workflows in geotechnical and tunneling industries. Engineers with technical expertise and coding skills play a crucial role in optimizing these advancements to address industry challenges effectively.
- Digital twins are increasingly being utilized in tunneling projects. Contractors use them to monitor project progress, while owners rely on them for lifecycle management and future maintenance planning, enhancing overall efficiency and project insights.
- The UCA Young Member Award highlights the value of industry collaboration and professional support in tunneling. This recognition encourages engagement with emerging engineers, motivating them to connect with peers, attend conferences, and find solutions to industry challenges.
- Engineers benefit from maintaining curiosity and seeking new learning opportunities while actively engaging with industry professionals to solve challenges. Developing technical and coding skills alongside domain expertise is essential for staying competitive in an industry shaped by digital advancements.
More Details in This Episode…
About Rajat Gangrade, PhD, PE
Rajat Gangrade is a technical advisor in geotech and tunneling at HNTB, based in San Jose, California, with over eight years of experience. He specializes in soft ground tunnel design and the digitization of geotechnical data, focusing on spatial variability, uncertainty quantification, and integrating AI and machine learning into tunneling.
Rajat earned a Ph.D. in Underground Construction and Tunneling from the Colorado School of Mines, where he researched risk assessment and soil variability impacts. He has worked on projects across North America and Southeast Asia, gaining experience in ground characterization, TBM interaction, and instrumentation monitoring.
Before his Ph.D., Rajat worked at CH2M (now Jacobs) and AECOM, contributing to the Mumbai Metro Line 3 project. He also holds an M.S. in Geotechnical Engineering from Virginia Tech and a B.Tech. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai.
Rajat’s expertise blends technical skills, global experience, and a passion for digital innovation to meet modern infrastructure challenges.
About the Host: Jared M. Green, PE, BC.GE, F.ASCE
Jared, originally from southwest Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, graduated from Syracuse University’s College of Engineering in 2001 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering. He later went on to attain his M.S. in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Focus) from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Campaign, in 2002. In 2003, he began working in the New York City office of Langan. He has since become a Principal / Vice President and is one of the owners of this international land development engineering consulting firm. After 15 years at Langan, Jared moved to the Philadelphia office and is one of the geotechnical practice leaders in that office.
Jared is a consultant and team leader who also enjoys mentoring young engineers and first-generation college students. He has been instrumental in increasing the number of pre-college students who are interested in STEAM majors and fields. He strives to make complex engineering topics relatable and understandable to people new to the field and to people who are completely unfamiliar with engineering. Jared and his family currently reside in Flemington, New Jersey. He and his wife have three energetic, inquisitive, and awesome children. You can connect with Jared here.
Sources/References:
HNTB
Python
Mathcad
The U.S. 1984 tunneling study
Connect with Rajat Gangrade, PhD, PE, on LinkedIn
Please leave your comments or questions in the section below on innovative solutions for spatial uncertainty in tunnel construction.
