MOHAMMAD ADNAN FAROOQ
Sydney,Australia
Summary
Senior Geotechnical Engineer with 8+ years of progressive industry experience in roads and railways infrastructure and a Doctorate in Geotechnical (Railway) Engineering focused on sustainable construction solutions for rail infrastructure. Proven expertise in delivering data-driven, cost-effective geotechnical solutions for complex infrastructure projects, underpinned by a strong research background evidenced by 15+ publications in international journals and conferences. Actively staying connected with cutting-edge railway research through the co-supervision of two PhD students at UTS, focusing on sustainable railway materials, life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of recycled materials, and the development of ultra-high-strength concrete for sleepers. Directly contributed technical guidance to Sydney Trains at the Hornsby Maintenance Centre, complemented by advanced skills in numerical analysis, risk assessment, and hazard mitigation. Awarded UTS Casual Academic of the Year 2024, further demonstrating leadership and innovation in geotechnical engineering and knowledge dissemination.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotesta Pty Ltd
01.2024 - Current
- Preparation of project proposal, in-situ testing (e.g., DCP, soil and rock boring), and preparation of geotechnical site investigation, pavement design, landslide risk assessment reports, etc
- Logging of drilled boreholes and excavated pits by OpenGround; point load test and so on
- Extensive experience in geotechnical numerical modelling, especially for railway tracks and tunnels
- Impact assessment and derailment assessment
- Conducting site inspections and providing technical advice for Sydney Trains at the Hornsby Maintenance Centre
- Managing and liaising with teams for geotechnical site investigation with environmental assessment
- Assessing platform bearing capacity and design pavement with stabilisation assessment and analysis
- Proof rolling inspection, batter inspection and other geotechnical inspections
- Field tests such as percolation tests, seepage and onsite stormwater detention analysis
- Monitoring and analysing groundwater level by piezometer equipment
- Bearing capacity assessments of residential and industrial projects
- Crane, wall, and footing pad assessment in various projects
- Point load testing and rock classification
- Landslide risk assessment
- Hazard mitigation for rock slopes and embankments
- Developing fee proposal for various types of geotechnical (field and desktop investigation), applying for permits and project management
Casual Academic
University of Technology Sydney
01.2021 - Current
- Working as casual academic for Planning, Field Investigation and Monitoring for Tunnels (42066)
- Development of course material, quizzes, and assignment; delivering sessions for participants; marking and assessing student assignments and exams
- Working as casual academic for Pavement Analysis and Design (49258)
- Preparation of course material, quizzes, and assignment; delivering sessions for participants; demonstration of CIRCLY software for flexible pavement design; grading assignments, exams, and papers and providing constructive feedback to students
- Co-supervising two PhD students at UTS: one student working on the development of ultra-high performance concrete by the inclusion of carbon fibres and alternate binders for sleepers, and the other student is working on life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of recycled materials.
Geotechnical Researcher and Research Assistant
University of Technology Sydney
08.2019 - 08.2023
- Testing, numerical modeling, and organizing workshops and a short course for the Australia-India Council project on Heavy Haul Railways, sponsored by DFAT Australia
- Performing laboratory tests on soil and rock samples, such as sieve analysis, Atterbergs limits, compaction, consolidation, triaxial and advanced dynamic triaxial test
- Performing 2D and 3D numerical modelling of ballasted and slab tracks in ABAQUS, and assessing track performance under dynamic loading
- Collecting and analysing soil and rock samples to determine their physical and mechanical properties
- Presenting research findings at conferences and workshops (e.g., GEOANZ 2022, ICTG 2024)
- Assist in the design and execution of geotechnical experiments and tests
- Prepare and maintain research equipment and materials
- Collaborate with other researchers and team members to achieve research objectives
- Collect and analyse geotechnical data using various laboratory and field techniques
- Applied for UTS Civil and Environmental Engineering Teaching Innovation Grant together with Dr Sanjay Nimbalkar and secured it; assisted in the development and implementation of new course materials and curriculum (virtual laboratory testing)
Assistant Engineer (Civil and Geotechnical)
Public Works Department, Govt. of J&K
04.2017 - 12.2018
- Assisting in the preparation of detailed project reports, cost estimates, and project schedules
- Assisting in the supervision and monitoring of construction of new rural roads to ensure compliance with design specifications and safety standards
- Assisting in the evaluation and selection of construction materials for projects
- Assisting in the preparation of technical reports, drawings, and specifications for construction projects
- Executing construction of new rural road projects in the hilly terrain of Baramulla and timely maintenance of existing rural roads
- Conducting lab and in situ geotechnical investigation
- Heading the quality control team responsible for all-time record production and laying of hot mix asphalt in district Budgam
Junior Engineer (Civil and Geotechnical)
Public Works Department, Govt. of J&K
08.2016 - 04.2017
- Utilised computer-aided design (CAD) software to create drawings
- Conducted field inspections to monitor construction progress and identify any potential issues or deviations from plans
- Conducted geotechnical analysis and soil testing to determine the suitability of sites for the construction of community centers at Nowhatta and Hawal, Srinagar
- Collaborated with project team members to ensure timely and accurate completion of project deliverables
- Maintenance of urban roads and monitoring of snow clearance in Srinagar
- Performed calculations and analysis to support the design and construction of foundations, retaining walls, and other structures
- Assisting in the preparation of cost estimates and project schedules
- Assisting senior engineers in conducting site investigations and surveys to gather data for project planning and design
- Determining the extent of structural damage to structures caused by the flood of 2014 in Srinagar
- Assisting in the preparation of technical reports, drawings, and specifications for civil and geotechnical engineering projects
- Conducting laboratory and field tests on soil and rock samples to determine their physical and mechanical properties
QA/QC Engineer (Geotechnical and Concrete)
AFCONS Infrastructure Limited
09.2010 - 02.2012
- Conduct field and laboratory tests to verify the performance of soil and concrete materials
- Monitor and inspect construction sites to ensure compliance with quality standards and specifications
- Develop and implement quality control procedures and protocols for geotechnical and concrete projects
- Conduct laboratory and in situ tests of subgrade, subbase, base course involved during rehabilitation, strengthening and four-lanning of 65 km Jammu-Udhampur national highway
- Conduct soil stabilization with various additive
- Conduct mix design of concrete with materials from various sources/brands and arrive at the right combination, which resulted in the reduction of the overall cost of the project
- Monitor the quality of concrete work at the batching plant and site
- Analyze test results and prepare reports documenting findings and recommendations
Education
Doctor of Philospohy - Geotechnical Engineering (Specialisation in Railway Engineering)
University of Technology Sydney
09-2023
Master of Technology - Transportation Engineering and Planning
National Institute of Technology Srinagar
07.2016
Master of Business Administration - Operations Management
Indira Gandhi National Open University
12.2014
Bachelor of Technology - Civil Engineering
National Institute of Technology Srinagar
07.2010
Skills
- Railway Tracks Modelling and Performance Evaluation
- Geotechnical Field Assessments and Reporting
- Geotechnical Proposal Development and Project Management
- Geotechnical Numerical Analysis (eg, PLAXIS 2D and 3D, ABAQUS 2D and 3D, Slope/W, and Slide)
- Soil Testing (lab and in-situ)
- Proficient User of Various Softwares such as MATLAB, MS OFFICE, and CIRCLY
- Desktop Geotechnical Analysis using MinView, Nearmap, QGIS, and other related tools
- In-depth Knowledge of Industry Standards (eg, AS 1726, AS 2870, AS 2566, AS 3600, AS 4799, TN 042: 2016, and so on)
- Geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring
- Knowledgeable in Geotechnical Engineering Principles and Practices
- Risk Assessment, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
Affiliations
- Geotechnical Engineer, Geotesta Pty Ltd
- Casual Academic, University of Technology Sydney
Certification
- Professional Geotechnical Engineer Certified by Engineers Australia
- Chartered Civil Engineer by the Institution of Engineers India
- Member of Engineers Australia
- Member of the Institution of Engineers- India
- Full Australian Driving License
- White Card Holder
- Reviewer for Journals, viz., Construction and Building Materials, International Journal of Pavement Research and Technology, International Journal of Geosynthetics and Ground Engineering, and Acta Geotechnica.
Languages
English
Hindi
Urdu
Kashmiri
Residency
AUSTRALIAN PERMANENT RESIDENT
Awards
- Recipient of the Gold medal in Civil Engineering Department awarded by National Institute of Technology Srinagar, India
- Recipient of International Research Scholarship and UTS Presidents Scholarship awarded by the University of Technology Sydney, Australia
- Second prize winner of the oral presentation at School Research Showcase 2021, organised by the University of Technology Sydney
- Second prize winner of the poster presentation at School Research Showcase 2021, organised by the University of Technology Sydney
- Certificate of outstanding contribution in reviewing awarded by Construction and Building Materials, Elsevier
Casual academic of year award 2024; UTS teaching and learning citation 2024
- Awarded Casual Academic of the Year at UTS, Faculty of Engineering and IT, for innovative contributions to course development and teaching methods
- Part of the team that received the Teaching and Learning Citation for 2024
INVITED LECTURE
Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) Course: "Design of Ballasted Railway Track: Current Practices and New Developments" Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dharwad, 3rd – 7th July 2023
- Honoured to be invited as a guest speaker for the distinguished Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) course hosted by the renowned IIT Dharwad.
- GIAN is an internationally acclaimed program initiated by the Government of India to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among global experts and scholars. Being invited to contribute to this platform underscores the recognition of my expertise and research contributions in the field of railway track design.
- Delivered a series of three impactful presentations in this GIAN course, showcasing my in-depth understanding of "Design of Ballasted Railway Track." I addressed both current industry practices and cutting-edge developments, equipping participants with insights that have a direct and practical impact on railway infrastructure.
Timeline
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotesta Pty Ltd
01.2024 - Current
Casual Academic
University of Technology Sydney
01.2021 - Current
Geotechnical Researcher and Research Assistant
University of Technology Sydney
08.2019 - 08.2023
Assistant Engineer (Civil and Geotechnical)
Public Works Department, Govt. of J&K
04.2017 - 12.2018
Junior Engineer (Civil and Geotechnical)
Public Works Department, Govt. of J&K
08.2016 - 04.2017
QA/QC Engineer (Geotechnical and Concrete)
AFCONS Infrastructure Limited
09.2010 - 02.2012
Doctor of Philospohy - Geotechnical Engineering (Specialisation in Railway Engineering)
University of Technology Sydney
Master of Technology - Transportation Engineering and Planning
National Institute of Technology Srinagar
Master of Business Administration - Operations Management
Indira Gandhi National Open University
Bachelor of Technology - Civil Engineering
National Institute of Technology Srinagar
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