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Tomasz Kowalski

Senior Tunnel Engineer at AECOM

Summary

Experience

Senior Tunnel EngineerAECOM
Seattle, WAMar 2019Present
  • Led the geotechnical and structural design for a 7.5 km urban wastewater conveyance tunnel, reducing estimated construction costs by 12% ($45M) through optimized lining and ground improvement strategies.
  • Managed a team of 8 junior engineers and technicians, overseeing critical path activities and ensuring adherence to project timelines and budget for projects totaling over $750M.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive risk mitigation plans for TBM tunneling through mixed-face conditions, resulting in a 25% reduction in unforeseen ground control issues.
  • Provided expert technical guidance during bid phase for major infrastructure bids, contributing to securing two significant tunneling projects valued at over $1.2B.
Tunnel Design EngineerJacobs Engineering Group
San Francisco, CAAug 2015Feb 2019
  • Performed detailed geotechnical design for various tunneling projects, including segmentally lined tunnels and cut-and-cover structures, for highway and metro expansions.
  • Utilized numerical modeling software (e.g., PLAXIS, FLAC) to analyze ground-structure interaction and predict tunnel performance, resulting in safer designs for 3 major projects.
  • Contributed to the successful completion of a 3.2 km light rail tunnel project, meeting all design specifications and achieving a 98% quality assurance rating.
  • Assisted in the preparation of technical specifications and construction drawings, ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
Geotechnical Staff EngineerGeoSolutions Consulting
Portland, ORJun 2013Aug 2015
  • Conducted site investigations, including boring, logging, and laboratory testing, for various infrastructure and building projects.
  • Prepared geotechnical reports and recommendations for foundations, retaining walls, and excavation support systems.
  • Supported senior engineers in the analysis of slope stability and seismic hazards for critical transportation infrastructure.
  • Gained initial experience in tunneling feasibility studies and preliminary ground characterization for proposed projects.

Projects

Sound Transit East Link Extension - Downtown Seattle Section
Sep 2020Present
  • Served as lead geotechnical engineer for 2 km of twin-bore TBM tunnels under active urban environment, mitigating settlement risks for adjacent historic structures.
  • Developed and optimized temporary and permanent ground support systems, leading to a 10% reduction in material costs and expedited construction progress.
  • Coordinated with various city agencies and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration of tunnel design with existing infrastructure.
San Francisco Central Subway Project - Union Square Tunnel
Apr 2016Nov 2018
  • Contributed to the design of the challenging Union Square station tunnel section, navigating complex geological conditions and existing utilities.
  • Assisted in the analysis of ground-structure interaction for the station cavern excavation, ensuring stability and safety during construction.
  • Provided site engineering support during TBM breakthroughs and segment installation, addressing real-time challenges effectively.
Port of Seattle Terminal 5 Modernization - Utilities Tunnel
Jan 2014Jun 2015
  • Executed geotechnical investigations and preliminary design for a new utility tunnel critical for port expansion.
  • Evaluated various trenchless construction methods and recommended the most feasible option based on subsurface conditions and budget constraints.
  • Prepared detailed geotechnical recommendations for excavation support and dewatering, ensuring project constructability.

Education

University of WashingtonM.S. Civil Engineering (Geotechnical Emphasis)
Seattle, WASep 2011May 2013
  • Specialized in advanced soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and underground space design.
  • Thesis: "Numerical Modeling of Ground Deformation in Soft Ground Tunneling."
Oregon State UniversityB.S. Civil Engineering
Corvallis, ORSep 2007Jun 2011
  • Graduated Cum Laude with a GPA of 3.7/4.0.
  • Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Student Chapter.

Publications

Optimizing Segmental Tunnel Lining Design for Seismic Performance in Soft Ground
Sep 2021Tomasz Kowalski, Dr. A. Chen, Dr. M. Rodriguez
Case Study: Ground Deformation Analysis for an EPB TBM Tunneling Underneath Urban Buildings
May 2018Tomasz Kowalski, Dr. L. Wong
Innovative Grouting Techniques for Water Ingress Control in Hard Rock Tunneling
Feb 2017Tomasz Kowalski, S. Patel, J. Green

Skills

Tunneling Methods
TBM (Earth Pressure Balance, Slurry Shield)NATM/SEM (New Austrian Tunneling Method)Cut-and-CoverPipe JackingMicrotunnelingGround Freezing
Geotechnical Software
PLAXIS 2D/3DFLAC 2D/3DPhase2RocScience SuiteGRLWEAPDeepEX
Design & Modeling
AutoCAD Civil 3DRevit (BIM)SAP2000ABAQUSGeotechnical DesignStructural Analysis
Project Management
Risk ManagementCost EstimationSchedule DevelopmentContract AdministrationStakeholder ManagementConstruction Oversight
Technical Competencies
Ground CharacterizationRock MechanicsSoil MechanicsHydrogeologyInstrumentation & MonitoringVibrations Analysis