Zara Ibrahim | Bridge Engineer at HNTB

Summary

Bridge EngineerHNTB

Chicago, ILSep 2020Present

Led structural analysis and design for 5+ major bridge rehabilitation and new construction projects, including a $75M segmental concrete bridge, optimizing material use by 15% and reducing overall project costs.
Developed complex finite element models using CSiBridge and SAP2000 for load rating and seismic analysis, increasing design accuracy by 20% and ensuring compliance with AASHTO LRFD standards.
Managed project timelines and deliverables for engineering teams of 3-5, consistently delivering designs 10% ahead of schedule and under budget.
Conducted detailed bridge inspections and condition assessments for 30+ existing structures, identifying critical deficiencies and recommending repair strategies that extended asset lifespans by an average of 15 years.

Structural Design EngineerAECOM

Chicago, ILAug 2017Aug 2020

Contributed to the design of various bridge types, including steel plate girders and pre-stressed concrete beams, for 8 projects with budgets up to $50M, ensuring structural integrity and constructability.
Performed load calculations, stress analysis, and member sizing in accordance with federal and state regulations, reducing design iterations by 25% through optimized methodologies.
Prepared comprehensive technical reports, specifications, and construction drawings using AutoCAD and MicroStation, supporting successful bid packages for projects totaling $120M.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams (geotechnical, environmental, traffic) to integrate design solutions, resulting in a 10% reduction in inter-departmental design conflicts.

Wabash River Crossing Replacement

Mar 2021Aug 2023

Managed the full design cycle for a new four-lane steel plate girder bridge, overseeing a $60M budget and coordinating with DOT officials.
Implemented innovative construction sequencing that reduced traffic disruption by 20% and accelerated project completion by 3 months.
Directed QA/QC processes for all design deliverables, ensuring zero non-compliance issues during construction.

Chicago Skyway Structural Inspection & Retrofit

Jan 2020Feb 2021

Conducted detailed structural inspections and performed load ratings for segments of the existing Chicago Skyway, identifying critical areas for retrofit.
Designed retrofit solutions for distressed concrete components and steel elements, extending the service life of identified sections by an estimated 25 years.
Collaborated with maintenance teams to ensure constructability of retrofit plans, minimizing impact on daily traffic flow.

Milwaukee Interchange Flyover Design-Build

May 2018Dec 2019

Contributed to the design of a complex multi-level concrete flyover bridge for a major interchange, optimizing column and pier cap design.
Assisted in seismic analysis and detailing, ensuring structural resilience against potential earthquake events.
Prepared detailed reinforcement drawings and material take-offs, contributing to a 5% saving in material procurement costs.

Northwestern UniversityMaster of Science in Structural Engineering

Evanston, ILSep 2018Jun 2019

University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignBachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Urbana, ILSep 2013May 2017

Finite Element Modeling for Seismic Response of Cable-Stayed Bridges

Oct 2019Zara Ibrahim, Dr. A. Chen

Optimizing Material Use in Segmental Concrete Bridge Design

Apr 2022Z. Ibrahim

Advanced Techniques for Bridge Condition Assessment and Life-Cycle Cost Analysis

Jan 2023Z. Ibrahim, J. Singh, K. Patel

Structural Analysis & Design

Finite Element Analysis (FEA)Seismic DesignLoad RatingBridge RehabilitationValue EngineeringFoundation Design

Software & Tools

CSiBridgeSAP2000ETABSAutoCADMicroStationRevitLARSA 4D

Codes & Standards

AASHTO LRFDAISCACIAREMAIBCFHWA Regulations

Project Management

Project PlanningSchedulingBudgetingRisk AssessmentConstruction SupportClient Communication

Materials & Construction

SteelReinforced ConcretePre-stressed/Post-tensioned ConcreteComposite MaterialsConstruction Phasing