Ahmad Zarei

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

BSc (Mining Eng.), MSc (Mining Eng.), MIEAust, NER

Ahmad joins the Cartledge team as a seasoned Geotechnical and Tunnel Engineer with over 16 Years of experience in Rock Mechanics and Project Management. He brings extensive experience and knowledge to complex projects.

Academic Excellence in Rock Mechanics

Ahmad holds a BSc and MSc in Mining Engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran, focusing on Mine Excavation and Rock Mechanics. He further solidified his expertise by earning a PhD with a Rock Mechanics specialisation from Amirkabir University of Technology – Tehran Polytechnic, Iran. His PhD research focused on an important study area: thermo-hydro-mechanical coupled numerical modelling in geomechanics. Specifically, this research addressed the issue of caprock integrity and reservoir stability in naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs. This significantly impacts pressure build-up and cooling within subsurface fluid injection fractures. Ahmad’s dedication to research is further evidenced by his time as a visiting researcher at prestigious institutions: the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research of the Spanish National Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC) and the International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE) in Barcelona, Spain.

Extensive Industry Experience

Beyond his academic achievements, Ahmad boasts extensive industry experience. He has collaborated closely with various entities on tackling complex rock engineering challenges, hydrogeological issues, and water management in national and international dam and tunnel projects. His diverse project portfolio encompasses the design and construction of a wide range of structures, including:

o   Earthen surface and underground structures (highways, railways, subway stations).

o   Water conveyance tunnels.

o   Slope stabilisation in both soil and rock.

o   Earth-fill and RCC dams.

Ahmad's expertise extends beyond technical knowledge. He excels in project management, planning, training, and supervising engineering personnel in the design and construction phases.

Highly Skilled and Versatile

Ahmad's proficiency encompasses numerous related fields, including:

o   Project Management

o   Rock mechanics

o   Geotechnics

o   Geoscience

o   Earthworks

o   Site investigation

o   Numerical simulation

o   Design of excavation methods and support systems for various ground conditions

o   Instrumentation and monitoring

Furthermore, Ahmad has a proven track record of building and leading multinational departments, demonstrating exceptional leadership and teamwork skills in multidisciplinary environments.