Industry leader brings extensive geotechnical expertise on complex underground projects to new role
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2024) – Rajat Gangrade, PhD, PE, has joined HNTB’s national tunnel practice as a technical advisor in geotechnical and tunneling and is based in California. In this new role, Gangrade will serve as a technical resource to clients and projects across the nation. He brings nearly a decade of national and international geotechnical experience to complex underground construction.
“Rajat’s technical knowledge, enthusiasm, streak for innovations and his proven track record on improving and optimizing tunnel construction efficiency is an asset to our skilled team,” said Sanja Zlatanic, PE, HNTB national tunnel practice chair, senior vice president and HNTB Fellow.
Gangrade has led the planning and execution of geotechnical investigations and modeling of ground conditions for major underground projects. He is adept at developing intelligent digital tools and software for tunnel risk management, geotechnical parameter uncertainty modeling and investigating impacts of TBM ground interaction.
He has served as the chair of the Underground Construction Association (UCA) Young Members’ committee and recently was awarded the 2024 UCA Young Tunneler Award at the North American Tunneling Conference in Nashville. Gangrade is actively involved in co-authoring the chapters for recommendations on face support pressures in mechanized tunneling with the International Tunneling Association (ITA) working groups.
Gangrade received his bachelor’s in civil engineering from the VJTI (India). He received his master’s in civil engineering from Virginia Tech University and a doctorate in underground construction and tunneling from the Colorado School of Mines. In addition, Gangrade had completed his professional engineering certification.