Nahmed Nissar

About Nahmed Nissar

I have 6+ years of experience in civil/geotechnical engineering particularly numerical modeling and slope stability. I hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license and a PMP certification. Currently, as an Engineering Associate at RIZZO International, I develop and validate numerical models for slope stability and seepage analysis in critical infrastructure projects, including power plants, dams, and border wall construction. I perform engineering calculations to evaluate the geotechnical stability of foundations, perform road designs, determine bearing capacity and settlement. I oversee geotechnical lab operations, analyze borehole data, and classify soil/rock properties to ensure project safety and compliance. My hands-on field experience includes supervising construction crews, conducting soil testing (e.g, Atterberg limits, gradations, concrete testing), and investigating excessive settlement issues, such as at a gas pipeline site in Woodland, CA.Prior to RIZZO, I worked with AECOM’s mining group in Denver, focusing on Tailings Storage Facilities (TSF) stability. I performed 2D slope stability analyses using UTEXAS, managed CPT testing and piezometer installations, and authored sections of geotechnical reports. I also trained/mentored new hires in slope stability software (UTEXAS and Anura3D). I also assisted in designing levee filters using USBR/NRCS methods.I hold an MS in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering from Virginia Tech, where I researched compound landslides using the Material Point Method (MPM) and served as a Graduate Teaching/Research Assistant. My work has been published in academic journals and conferences, and I’m passionate about merging research with practical engineering solutions. I thrive in collaborative environments and love tackling complex geotechnical challenges with innovative approaches.Fun Facts: I played field hockey in my undergrad, and enjoy hiking whenever I can :)

Experience

1. Engineering Associate

   Rizzo International

   Aug 2022 — Present · Pittsburgh, PA, US

   I created numerical models in SLOPE/W for evaluating Slope Stability for a power plant in Idaho using GeoStudio SLOPE/W. I performed steady state and transient seepage analysis in SEEP/W to evaluate the change in phreatic levels upon rainfall infiltration- I examined excavation at a gas pipeline site for settlement issues in Woodland, CA. I documented the site conditions, collected soil samples, sent them to lab for Atterberg limit test and Grain size distribution analysis. I performed crumb test to determine dispersive nature if soils- I performed site investigation for California Make Safe Project in El Centro, CA. I supervised the contractors for concrete road design along the US-Mexico border fence, and provided recommendations. I also assisted in nuclear gauge testing to check compaction prior to concrete pours on aprons and low-water crossings. Observed rip-rap installations for trenches and ditches- I compiled borehole logs and lab data obtained from the Clinch River Nuclear site (TVA) into spreadsheets and performed statistical analysis to determine the strength properties of rocks- I verified and validated (V&V) industry software with benchmark problems for SLOPE/W and SEEP/W and prepared calculation packages for the client- I analyzed borehole data and classified rocks based on their RQD, Fracture density and lithology. Tabulated soil boring data for 50 boreholes and rock cores into Excel. Proposed an equation to weight different parameters to categorize sub-surface data. I developed spreadsheets to determine the capacity of drilled shafts using AASHTO manual for a site in Phoenix, Arizona- I calculated bearing capacity of Rock sites using Terzaghi\'s Bearing Capacity equation. I also determined the allowable bearing pressure of foundations depending on the building loads- I cross-checked and verified settlement calculations performed by peers using Steinbrenner method to calculate local and differential settlements.

Education

• Virginia Tech

  Master of Science - MS, Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

  2018 — 2020

• Vibrant Academy, Kota

  High school

  2012 — 2014

• Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi

  Bachelor's degree, Civil Engineering

  2014 — 2018