Douglas O. Bell

About Douglas O. Bell

I knew while in high school that I wanted to be an engineer. Physical sciences and math were interesting to me, and I wanted to pursue those interests as my career. I entered college thinking I was going to be a structural engineer - designing bridges and buildings for all to see. During the first semester of my junior year at NC State University in Raleigh, I took intro courses to each of the major disciplines of civil engineering: structural, geotechnical, transportation, water, and wastewater. I dreaded getting up in the morning for the structures class, and discovered I loved going to the geotechnical class. Fascinated by the realization that geology and geotechnical conditions of different sites could require completely different foundations for exactly the same building, whether a 20-story office tower or a one-story retail store, I set my path to become a geotechnical engineer and consultant. To this day, I embrace the challenge presented by variable or difficult site conditions, and enjoy helping my clients understand how to address or use those conditions for their advantage.As a consulting engineer specializing in geotechnical engineering, geotechnical earthquake engineering, materials testing and inspection, and special inspection services, I have been fortunate to be exposed to many opportunities and challenges in my career. I have tried to learn from them and use each experience to benefit current and future clients.

Experience

1. Senior Geotechnical Professional

   TTL, Inc.

   Aug 2014 — Present

Education

• The University of Texas at Austin

  MS, Geotechnical Engineering

  1988 — 1990

• North Carolina State University

  BSCE, Civil Engineering

  1984 — 1988

Skills

• Highways
• Civil Engineering
• Foundation Design
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Land Development
• Bridge
• Deep Foundations
• Concrete
• Stormwater Management
• Transportation Engineering
• Road
• Erosion Control
• Retaining Walls
• Soil
• Drainage