Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2026
  • M.S., Civil Engineering, Louisiana State University, 2021
  • B.S., Civil Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, 2018
Academic Appointments
  • Graduate Research Assistant, Georgia Tech, 2021-2026
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant, Georgia Tech, Spring 2025, Fall 2024, Spring 2023
  • Graduate Research Assistant, Louisiana State University, 2019-2021
Professional Honors
  • Geomaterials Research Award, Geosystems Engineering Group, Georgia Tech, May 2026
  • Honorable Mention, Annual Fall GI-Georgia Tech Poster Symposium, November 2024
  • Paul W. Mayne Award, Geosystems Engineering Group, Georgia Tech, May 2024
  • Dean's Honor List, Jordan University of Science and Technology, 2014-2018
Professional Affiliations
  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Dr. Ikbarieh specializes in geotechnical engineering and computational geomechanics, with expertise in experimental characterization, constitutive modeling, numerical simulation, and engineering analysis of complex geotechnical systems. At Exponent, Dr. Ikbarieh has provided technical support for the investigation of geotechnical and construction-related disputes. His work includes evaluating the performance of foundation systems, assessing the effects of expansive soils and sinkhole-prone ground conditions on infrastructure, investigating drainage and stormwater management issues on residential properties, and supporting analyses of transportation infrastructure projects.

During his doctoral research at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Dr. Ikbarieh investigated the mechanical behavior and flow characteristics of compressible granular materials, including non-recyclable municipal solid waste and woody biomass. His research included the design of an ultra-fast vane shear device to characterize the rate-dependent shear strength of granular materials and the evaluation of compressibility, permeability, and flow behavior of non-recyclable municipal solid waste. He also developed numerical and data-driven approaches, including finite element modeling, smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulations, and machine learning techniques coupled with advanced constitutive models, to predict granular flow behavior in industrial handling equipment. Previously, at Louisiana State University, he conducted numerical analyses of geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported embankment systems, designed geosynthetic load transfer platforms, and performed stability evaluations of geotechnical earth structures.

Prior to joining Exponent, Dr. Ikbarieh gained practical consulting experience in subsurface exploration, field instrumentation, construction observation, and engineering analysis. His experience included analyzing laboratory and in-situ test data for geotechnical characterization, supporting the design of sheet pile retaining structures, performing slope stability and settlement analyses, evaluating the stability of geomembrane, turf, and solar panel systems against uplift and sliding, supporting dam risk assessment studies, and preparing geotechnical exploration plans, geotechnical data reports, and geotechnical recommendation reports. His field experience included monitoring drilling operations, deep foundation installation and testing activities, as well as installation and maintenance of piezometers for groundwater level monitoring at landfills.