Alexei's passion for collaboration and innovation is backed by multiple industry awards and more than 50 technical publications, including national design standards, demonstrating that his inputs are highly valued by clients and the geotechnical community.
“After 12 years as a researcher and later a university professor and industry adviser, I was very lucky to start my “full-time” practical engineering career in New Zealand in the mid-90s and be involved in challenging projects such as Otira Viaduct, Wellington Westpac Stadium, Wellington International Airport, major upgrades of NZ road and rail network, recovery and rebuild after the Canterbury and Kaikoura earthquakes, as well as development of new national geotechnical design standards. ”
Dealing with complex geo-structures and geo-operations that form important interfaces between the built and natural environments, mitigating natural hazards and building resilient infrastructure is what drives Alexei professionally. As a geotechnical expert, he contributes to sustainable development by creating environmentally-friendly, cost-effective and socially-acceptable design solutions.
“Geotechnical engineering is an exciting field as it can significantly influence infrastructure development because of its early position in the planning, design and construction cycle.”
Increasing needs for energy, population growth and climate change, maintenance of aging infrastructure, environmental degradation, and threats from natural disasters, in Alexei’s view, require the geotechnical profession to focus on building more sustainable and resilient urban environment, develop new materials and integrated multi-disciplinary design methodologies in order to find novel solutions.
Alexei is passionate about building and maintaining sustainable infrastructure and works collaboratively with major clients to reduce the impact of natural hazards on built environment. He has been involved in infrastructure projects across Transport, Building, Water and Power sectors in New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Asia and has more than 30 years of international experience in geotechnical engineering for roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, buildings, marine facilities, flood protection assets, water treatment and industrial plants as well as gas, oil and power generation facilities.
Alexei is an Engineering NZ Fellow, chartered engineer and member of NZGS, NZSEE and SESOC, with a MSc in Structural Engineering and PhD in Geotechnical Engineering. His previous roles include an Associate Professor in Structural Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering in one of Russia’s leading universities, senior geotechnical consultant with international consulting companies and, most recently, WSP Technical Principal - Geotechnics. With his strong academic and practical engineering background, Alexei has become a trusted adviser to many commercial and government clients.
