Project Experience
Anderson Dam and Tunnel:
Yogesh managed a team of consultants and technical leaders for the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project. The estimated project construction costs are $600M. He was the geotechnical engineering QA/QC task leader for Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit Project for Valley Water Dam Safety and Project Delivery Unit. The dam deconstruction and reconstruction project has numerous competing interests, including environmental, flood potential for San Jose and surrounding areas, dam/life safety, water quality and temperature requirements for fish flows, habitat restoration, and time-constrained regulatory requirements. These challenges have prompted many world-renowned experts to deem this one of California's most challenging dam deconstruction and reconstruction projects. As the team leader, Yogesh had a vital role in the planning, designing, and constructing of this legacy project.
San Pablo Dam Seismic Stability Evaluation
Performed a static and seismic stability analysis of the existing San Pablo Clearwell Dam and submit the results of the evaluations to the California State Division of Safety of Dams. Evaluations were conducted using limit equilibrium methods. Computer programs Slope/W were used for the limit equilibrium evaluations. The report has been reviewed and accepted by DSOD in 2015.
Dam Instrumentation Data into Centralized Geographic Information Systems
Created a project to update all dam surveillance data (piezometers, survey monuments, seepage monitoring, inclinometers, etc.). A goal of creating GIS sites containing all survey monuments and seepage monitoring stations for open-cut and terminal reservoirs was initiated in September 2016. Dam Tracker data will be displayed on GIS and the pilot project will be expanded to include all Open-Cut Reservoirs by September 2018. The project PA was approved in May 2018 and this trailblazing pioneering work is ongoing. The project includes ISD, Survey, construction, water, and natural resources, and material testing technicians, assistant and associate engineers in GES.
Central Dam, Oakland California (2006)
Performed a static and seismic stability analysis of Central Dam. A site investigation program was performed to identify the potentially liquefiable alluvial foundation material. DSOD reviewed and approved the report without any significant comments.
Estates Dam, Oakland, California (December 2005)
Performed a peer review of the Estates Dam seismic stability analysis evaluations. The report was submitted to the Division of Safety of Dams. I recommended performing a 3D numerical model of the dam to compare the results of the model to the over-simplified 2D approach which yielded less conservative and more realistic deformation results.
Dingee Dam, Oakland, California (2008)
Performed static and seismic stability analysis of Dingee Dam using limit equilibrium evaluations. The 25-foot-high and 400-foot-long dam was constructed on a sloping bedrock foundation. The computer program Slope/W was used in the limit equilibrium slope stability evaluations. The stability evaluations showed the dam was safe for continued operations under the maximum considered earthquake scenario.
Argyle #2 Dam, El Sobrante, California, (August 2010)
Performed a static and seismic stability analysis of the existing Argyle #2 Dam and submitted the results of the evaluations to the California State Division of Safety of Dams. The dam was constructed in a knoll in Tice Shale formation bedrock. Rock slope stability evaluations were conducted using limit equilibrium with the Hoek-Brown failure criterion and kinematic wedge block failure evaluations. Computer programs Slope/W and S/Wedge were used for the limit equilibrium and the kinematic stability evaluations, respectively. The report was reviewed and approved by DSOD without any significant concerns.
Applegate Dam Seismic Stability Evaluation, Jackson County, Oregon, (August 1999)
Project Engineer for the seismic stability evaluation of a zoned earth-fill dam approximately 250 feet in height and 1000 feet wide at the base. The computer program FLAC, using the finite difference method, was used to analyze and estimate the earthquake-induced pore pressures, and the resulting 5 feet of horizontal and 3 feet of vertical displacements at the crest of the dam. Both pore pressure generation and a residual strength approach were used, and their results were compared with one another. The critical layer causing large displacements was the liquefiable upstream sand filter zone. FLAC results compared well to conventional static, pseudo-static, and Newmark slope stability analysis.
Dams Program Improvement Projects:
Dam Spillway Assessment for 5 Local Terminal and Open Cut Reservoirs
FERC Part 12D studies for Pardee and Camanche Dams - Dam Spillway Assessment
DSOD Legislative Review for proposed actions related to SB-92
DSOD Annual Dam Inspection and Instrumentation Improvement Project
Entering Dam Instrumentation Data into Geographic Information Systems
Dam Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Projects
Dam Annex EOP (2017)
Dam Emergency Response Plan
Dam Fragility Evaluations
San Pablo Clearwell East Side Slope Damage and Repair
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan – LHMP (2017)
Napa Mw 6.1 Earthquake, August 2014, Cal EMA
Pipelines and Tunnels Design and Construction Projects:
Aqueduct 2 and 3 Pipeline Fragility Evaluations (2015-Ongoing)
Alameda / Oakland Inner Harbor HDD Pipeline Crossing (2012 – Ongoing)
Pipeline Fragility Liquefaction Hazard Mapping, Alameda and Oakland, California:
Delta Tunnel Design and Construction Studies (2008-Ongoing)
Strategy for Protecting the Aqueducts in the Delta (2009)
WWTP – SD1 – Effluent Bypass Tunnel
Lawsuits, Claims, Risk Management, and Loss Prevention Projects:
Moraga Creek Stability Evaluation (2015-2020)
Glen Echo Concrete Spill: 2015
McKillop Landslide Claim and Deposition - 2006
Walnut Creek PP # 1 and 2 Transformer Explosion Project
Central Area Service Center Building Settlement, Oakland, CA
Orinda Watershed Headquarters
Bixler Ranch
El Nido Road Slope Damage
Walnut Creek PP # 1 and 2
Pumping Plants and Tank Replacement Geo-Structural Projects
San Pablo Clearwell Tank Replacement Study and Design and Construction Support
Central Reservoir DN Tanks Foundation Design Alternatives
Summit Tanks Geotechnical Engineering Report and Construction Support
Reliez Pumping Plant Slope Failure Study and Construction Repair
Walnut Creek Water Treatment Plant Seismic Study and Design and Construction Support
Mokelumne Watershed Headquarters Building Site Development and Design
Pump Station A Seismic Study and Design and Construction Support
Round Hill Pumping Plant Design and Construction Support
Alamo Tanks Slope Distress Assessment
Walnut Creek Water Treatment Plant Seismic Study and Design and Construction Support
Tunnels Pipelines and Tower Structures
Mokelumne Aqueduct Interconnection Project
Delta Tunnel Design and Construction Studies
USL Tower Access Roadway Repair
Delta Tunnel Design and Construction Studies
Lafayette Outlet Tower Seismic Studies and Retrofit Design
Key Staff Project Experience
Fault Rupture Evaluation, WGSI Natural Gas Pipeline, Willows Fault Crossing, Sacramento, California, (August 2002)
Project Engineer for the Numerical Simulation of potential fault rupture evaluation. The project involved 3-dimensional finite-difference modeling using the program FLAC. A 30-inch diameter steel pipe was modeled using shell elements and the resulting permanent ground deformation values from the Willows Fault trace 1600 feet below the ground surface were studied. PGD values were also input into ANSYS, a commercial 3D finite element program, to analyze the non-linear behavior of the pipeline. A separate 2D lateral spreading analysis was carried out for the Sacramento River crossing. PGD values from lateral spreading were evaluated and the effect on the proposed 30-inch steel pipeline was analyzed using both 2-D FLAC and 3-D ANSYS. ANSYS and FLAC results were compared to one another. This project was the recipient of the 2002 Annual Kleinfelder Presidents Award, which is awarded to the best overall project of the year.
Lateral Spreading Analysis for Target Stores, Eureka, California, (December 2002)
Senior Engineer for the seismic stability analysis for a proposed Target Store using finite difference method FLAC. I performed the analysis for the existing and proposed profile of the site to estimate lateral spreading caused by liquefaction of the loose sands within the top 15-feet. Additionally, the proposed 12-inch pre-cast, concrete piles were included in the model as pile elements and the grade-beam was input as a beam element. Dynamic soil-structure interaction was performed on the pile, grade-beam, and liquefiable soils. Ground improvement and resulting increased soil strength parameters were modeled and seismically induced permanent deformations were estimated. The maximum and post-earthquake, shear forces, bending moments, displacement, and rotations for each pile line were provided to the structural engineer for design purposes.
Numerical Calibration of Pseudo-Static Pile Load Tester, Irvine, California (October 2002):
Research Engineer for the calibration of the Pseudo-Static Pile Load Tester (PSPLT) using numerical methods to simulate the dynamic test procedure. This new testing equipment can be used to test the axial capacity of piles using a mass of 25,000kg dropped from various drop heights on top of the test pile or drilled pier. A load is applied over a period of 2 milliseconds to simulate the application of dynamic loads. Pile load settlement curves are obtained and ultimate pile or drilled pier capacities are predicted. This test procedure was modeled using the finite-difference analysis computer program FLAC. FLAC results compared well with the actual measurements for a test site in Emeryville, California.
Deflection Analysis of North Bulkhead Wall, New Parking Structure, San- Bernardino County, CA (January 2004):
Performed the numerical simulation of the proposed excavation for the construction of below-grade parking structure for a high-rise Casino Building. The 21-foot deep excavation was proposed to be done in stages and be supported by a row of 4-foot diameter drilled piers spaced at 6 feet on center. The piers would be cantilevered and the maximum allowable deflections resulting from static and seismic loading was to be less than 6 inches at the top of the caisson. This site is located 200 yards from the active San Andreas Fault. The computer program FLAC was used to model the soil-structure interaction during static and quasi-static loading conditions. A dynamic (time history) was also carried out to estimate lateral deflections. The computer program L-Pile was also used to perform a back check on the numerical methods, and these compared well with one another.
Yerba Buena Loft Buildings, San Francisco, California.
Project Engineer for geotechnical investigation and design of a deep foundation system for an 11-story high-rise building founded on Tubex piles. Performed four pseudo-static pile load tests on piles and optimized the pile capacity curves to reduce the total number and lengths of installed piles. Provided recommendations for underpinning and shoring of adjacent buildings. Site located on fill over Bay Mud.
Bay Street Emeryville, Madison Marquette, Emeryville, California.
Project Engineer for 18-acre commercial development, including ten-story high-rise hotel, six-story apartments, garage structure, commercial shops, and theater. The site is located over a layer of Bay Mud that is 5 to 30 feet thick. Structures will be supported on pile foundations and/or pre-loaded for mat slab. The garage structure is supported on 2000 piles. Designed the pile foundation system based on pseudo-static pile load tester pile load test program testing 12 piles for compression and 3 piles for uplift.
MTA Hollywood Freeway Overcrossing Structure, Universal Studios, Universal City, California.
Project Engineer for the geotechnical analysis and design for the deep foundations' system at the abutment and bents for the MTA Hollywood freeway overcrossing. Deep foundations included several groups of Tubex piles for the freeway abutments and bents. Performed several pile load tests, both static and pseudo-static for conformation of axial capacities and lateral load testing for calibration of lateral pile analysis. Provided several 6x6-foundation stiffness matrices for the freeway overcrossing abutments and bents.
Arts Building Seismic and Creep Instability Analysis, San Pablo, California, (January 2004):
Performed the seismic and creep stability analysis for the Contra Costa Community College Arts Building. The Arts building is located less than 0.5 miles from the Hayward Fault. FLAC was used to model the dynamic stability of the slope. Slope creep and remediation analysis may be performed for this project.
Henderson Reservoir Dam, Amador County, California, (Kleinfelder Inc., September 2003):
Henderson Reservoir Dam lies within the Amador Regional Sanitation Authority in Amador County, California. The Henderson Reservoir Dam is regularly inspected by the Division of Safety of Dams. Our services were performed in accordance with California Regional Water Quality Control Board (CRWQCB) criteria. I performed static and pseudo-static embankment stability analysis using Slope/W and Seep/W. Transient seepage analysis was carried out to establish the phreatic surface, and these results were then used to analyze the stability using the established phreatic surface. I also evaluated the influence of 3-dimensional-slope stability analysis using methods proposed by Stark 2002.
Preston Fore Bay Dam, Amador County, California, (Kleinfelder Inc., September 2003):
I performed a seismic analysis of the Preston Fore Bay Dam located in Amador County, California. The dam is a homogenous earth-fill embankment constructed of sandy clays and clayey sands derived from the native overburden soils near the dam. The Scope of services and approach were identical to the project mentioned above (Henderson).
Lakeside Circle, Livermore, California, (June 2002)
Project Engineer responsible for performing the slope creep investigation and analysis using FLAC. Estimated lateral displacements resulting from excavation and stress relaxation. Compared results to observed data from inclinometer readings and surveyed points.
Topanga Canyon Landslide, Topanga, California, (December 2005)
Project Engineer responsible for performing all slope stability analysis and peer review of the Caltrans design for the landslide remediation. Used GSTABL 7W to perform a check on the adequacy of the pier and tieback walls design for static and seismic conditions. Performed a back analysis on the validity of the material parameters used in the back and forward analysis. The strength increase concept was used to evaluate the seismic stability.
Mussel Rock Landfill Landslides and Groundwater Flow Analysis, Daly City, California (April 1998).
Project Engineer for the investigation and repair of seven landslides along a one-half mile length of ocean coastline. Landslides occurred through landfill deposits over-topping seawalls. Seawall repair is included in the project. Deep sub-drainage systems are included in repair as well as buttress fill. Used MODFLOW to analyze the groundwater flow characteristics at the site and provided recommendations for improvements.