Geotechnical · Civil · Environmental
Ahmet Ali MERT
Geotechnical & Civil Engineer · PhD, MSc · Infrastructure, Environment & Project Delivery
PhD geotechnical and civil engineer with 10+ years of international experience across owner-side infrastructure delivery, geotechnical and environmental consultancy, and construction management for large, safety-critical projects. I connect rigorous analysis with constructible, cost-aware solutions — from site investigation and ground modelling to slope stability, deep excavations, foundations, drainage and independent design verification. Currently an owner's engineer at Türkiye's State Hydraulic Works (DSİ).
Three formats — choose by depth: comprehensive CV, standard 2-page CV, or a quick 1-page résumé.
About Me
I am a multidisciplinary engineer working at the intersection of geotechnical, civil and environmental engineering. My background combines national-scale infrastructure delivery with international research — I hold an MSc from The University of Texas at Austin and a PhD focused on the static and dynamic stability of slopes adjacent to hydraulic structures. Across design, construction support and handover, I serve as the technical authority on challenging projects involving deep cuts, diversion tunnels, dam spillways and complex geology.
My strengths span advanced numerical modelling (PLAXIS 2D, RS2, Slide2, GEO5, MIDAS GTS NX), seismic analysis and ground-investigation planning, alongside an environmental engineering background (dual degree, Valedictorian) and hands-on project and construction management. I am committed to bridging theory and constructible practice in multidisciplinary teams, with a proven ability to challenge overconservative assumptions and deliver cost-aware solutions.
Education
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PhD, Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)Eskişehir Technical University · 2020–2026Static/dynamic stability of hydraulic-structure slopes · GPA 3.92/4.00 · Graduated. · Dissertation (PDF)
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MSc, Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)The University of Texas at Austin · 2017–2019Thesis on Oso Landslide soils · Graduate Dean's Prestigious Fellowship. · Thesis (PDF)
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MSc, Soil Mechanics & Geotechnical Eng.Istanbul Technical University · 2013–2015GPA 3.63/4.00 · Coursework completed.
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BSc, Civil Eng. & BSc, Environmental Eng. (Double Major)Anadolu University · 2007–2012 · MÜDEK / EUR-ACE®Top-5 in Civil; Valedictorian in Environmental. Erasmus: Brno Univ. of Technology (2010). · BSc thesis (PDF)
Experience
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Senior Geotechnical EngineerState Hydraulic Works (DSİ) — Owner's EngineerAug 2019 – Present · Ankara, Türkiye
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Civil Works & Construction ManagerHuawei Technologies Co. Ltd.May 2014 – Jan 2016 · Istanbul, Türkiye
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Geotechnical Design EngineerEmay International Engineering & ConsultancyOct 2012 – Dec 2013 · Istanbul, Türkiye
Areas of Expertise
A broad, transferable skill set built across design, research and owner-side delivery.
Geotechnical Engineering
Civil & Infrastructure
Environmental Engineering
Project & Construction Management
Numerical Modelling & Software
Research & Academia
Key Engineering Projects
Dam · Spillway
Silvan Dam
One of the world's highest CFRDs (~175 m)
Supported geotechnical design and stabilization strategy for major spillway excavations in complex colluvial ground, including deep-seated support systems with high-capacity anchors and forensic back-analysis of pre-existing landslides.
Tunnel · Remediation
Koçali Dam
Tunnel remediation & spillway redesign
Contributed to remediation of a major diversion-tunnel instability through expanded investigations, paleo-landslide back-analysis (InSAR/inclinometers), redesign into more stable bedrock, and an alternative Morning Glory shaft spillway concept.
Coordination · Geotechnical Design
Dams & Transport Infrastructure
Okçular / Oyuklu / Hamzalı · North Marmara Hwy & 3rd Bosphorus Bridge
Provided owner-side technical coordination and design verification across multiple dam projects, ensuring consistency and constructability. Earlier, delivered geotechnical design reports for major transport structures including viaducts, bridges and underpasses.
Publications
Static and Dynamic Stability Assessment of Slopes Adjacent to Appurtenant Hydraulic Structures and Stabilization Recommendations
Mert, A.A. (2026). PhD Dissertation, Eskişehir Technical University.
Full text (PDF)Overcoming Geological Challenges in the Construction of a CFSGD Diversion Tunnel
Mert, A.A., Salman, M. & Çalışkan, F. (2026). Accepted, ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress (WTC 2026), Montreal, Canada.
Stability of Portal Slopes of a Diversion Tunnel after the Kahramanmaraş Feb 6, 2023 Earthquakes
Mert, A.A. & Çalışkan, F. (2024). ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress (WTC 2024), Shenzhen, China.
Performance of Sürgü, Kartalkaya and Tahtaköprü Dams During Feb 6, 2023 Earthquakes
Demirdöğen, S., Mert, A.A. et al. (2024). 7th Meeting of EWG, ICOLD — Dams and Earthquakes.
New Trends in Determination of Soil Properties
Karslıoğlu, A., Mert, A.A. & Onur, M.İ. (2021). European Journal of Science and Technology, Special Issue 28.
Geotechnical Effects of Hurricane Harvey in the Houston, Beaumont, and Port Arthur Areas
Wooten, R.L., Mert, A.A. et al. (2020). ISSMGE International Journal of Geoengineering Case Histories, 5(4).
Geotechnical Properties, 1-D Consolidation Behavior and Liquefaction Susceptibility of Glaciolacustrine Clays from the Oso Landslide
Mert, A.A. (2019). MSc Thesis, The University of Texas at Austin.
Full text (PDF)Contact
Open to roles and collaboration across geotechnical, civil, environmental and infrastructure engineering — including owner's-engineer, design-review, research and project-management opportunities in the EU and internationally.
Mühendis TEK-SEN Enerji
As the representative of the Mühendis TEK-SEN Enerji engineers’ syndicate at the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), I help colleagues reach it easily — its membership application and social channels are below.