Articles

Technical Sessions - May 2019

MORNING SESSION @ 11:00 AM

Topic: Research Innovations for Sustainable and Resilient Geotechnical Engineering

Speakers: Xinbao (Paul) Yu, Ph.D., P.E.

Dr. Xinbao (Paul) Yu is an associate professor at the University of Texas at Arlington and also a registered PE in Texas. Dr. Yu obtained his Ph.D. degree in civil engineering in 2009 from Case Western Reserve University. Before joining UTA, Dr. Yu worked on piles and CPT as a research associate at the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC). Dr. Yu’s research areas include deep foundations, expansive soils, geothermal energy applications, bridge scour, soil sensors, and finite element modeling. Dr. Yu is currently working as the PI on the geothermal bridge deicing project founded by the Texas Department of Transportation. Dr. Yu conducted LRFD calibration of drilled shafts and driven piles for LADOTD and Caltrans. Dr. Yu is a member of the TRB Committees AFP20 and AFP60 and Geo-Institute Technical Committee on unsaturated soils and Scour and Erosion.

AFTERNOON SESSION @ 1:10PM

Topic: Ship Channel Bridge

Speakers: Ahmed Valdez, P.E.

Ahmed K. Valdez, P.E., is the founder and president of AKV Consulting Engineers and has over 12 years of experience in engineering, planning and management focused on structures and transportation. Ahmed has led multi-disciplinary teams and been a key component on transportation complex projects in the state, including DFW Connector, DART Orange Line, US 281 Interchange and Ship Channel Bridge.

Ahmed stays active in professional organizations such as ASHE, HHAE, and ACEC. He is currently serving as president for the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) - Houston Section and the Houston Hispanic Architects & Engineers (HHAE) society.

Ahmed received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and his Master of Engineering Degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Idaho.