The Geotechnical Engineering Division is responsible for performing geotechnical investigations and providing recommendations for the design and construction of roadways and structures for INDOT. Geotechnical investigations include soil borings, sampling, testing, and engineering analyses. Geotechnical investigations evaluate the subsurface conditions in order to provide recommendations for a suitable and economical foundation design.

This division is also responsible for the review of geotechnical reports prepared by geotechnical consultants for local agency projects on the National Highway System and state routes.

The Geotechnical Engineering Division handles all matters related to Geotechnical Engineering for INDOT. These matters may include:

• Structure Foundation: Pile driving systems, proof testing of rock, light weight fill, integrity testing, etc.
• Embankment: Light weight cellular concrete, reinforced earth, shale, use of waste products, slope stability, etc.
• Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) Walls: Design and review
• Ground Modification: Stone columns, lime/cement/fly ash, dynamic compaction, grout injection, etc.
• Landslide: Investigation, monitoring, and correction
• Geosynthetic Materials: Geogrids and geotextiles
• Other issues: Including sinkholes, mine subsidence, retention/detention pond, peat/marl problem, erosion control, instrumentation, settlement.
• Standard Specifications and Special Provisions for geotechnical issues

Geotechnical Design Manual

• Chapter 1 Introduction
• Chapter 2 Geology and Pedology
• Chapter 3 Geotechnical Investigation and Sampling
• Chapter 4 Field Identification and In-situ Testing
• Chapter 5 Lab Testing
• Chapter 6 Geotechnical Analysis
• Chapter 7 Design Recommendations
• Chapter 8 Geotechnical Report
• Appendix A – Description of Geotechnical Pay Items
• Appendix D – Schedule of Geotechnical Pay Items
• References and Appendices 1 - 14

Guidelines and Design Memos

• 17-03 MSE Walls Memoranda
• Design Procedures for Soil Modification or Stabilization
• Geosynthetics Guidance
• GDM 2021-01 Subgrade Treatment Type IC, Modified
• Identifying Indiana Landslides
• Indiana Design Manual: Geotechnical Procedures
• Indiana Test Methods
• Percolation & Infiltration Guidelines
• Revised 2019 Aquifer Protection Guidelines
• Training Program-Classification of Organic Soils & Marls

Forms and Checklists

• Check List for MSE Wall Construction
• Dynamic Cone Penetration Field Log
• Dynamic Cone Penetration Field Log Example
• INDOT Check List For Retaining Structures
• Pile Driving System Approval Form

Qualified Consultants and Approved Materials

• Qualified Geotechnical Consultants
• Approved Materials
• Approved Retaining Wall System Evaluator
• Drilling and Sampling Requirements
• Laboratory Requirements

Geotechnical Conferences 

2020 Geotechnical Protocals for Geotechnical Consultants

• An Overview of 7.1 Geotechnical Engineering Services
• Construction Testing Issues and Reports
• Consultant Prequalification Manual – 7.1 Geotech Engineering
• Geotech INDOT Right of Way Permitting
• Geotechnical Design & Construction
• Geotechnical Manual Updates and Drilling Inspections
• Geotechnical Services Division
• Landslide Investigations and Reports
• MSE Walls Design in Indiana
• What Bridge Engineers Like To See In a Geotechnical Report

2021 Geotechnical Conference

• Overview of Geotechnical Engineering Division and Responsibilities
• Overview of 7.1 Pre-Qualifications for Geotechnical Engineering Firms
• Online Process of Soil Samples for Resilient Modulus Testing
• Geotechnical Division Website and Pavement Core Application
• Geotechnical Design and Consultant Agreements
• Purchase Orders and Invoices
• Geotechnical Conf-Bridge Engineering Overview
• 2021 Geotechnical Conference 02-24-20021 Vincennes Presentation
• Geotech Conference Discussion Ft. Wayne
• Subgrade Standard Specification and ITM Updates
• MSE Walls Shop Drawings Review Process and Checklist
• Landslide Prioritizing and Selecting

Contact Information

Athar Khan, P.E.
Director, Geotechnical Engineering
Indiana Department of Transportation
120 S. Shortridge Road
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-522-9717
atkhan@indot.in.gov

Mir Zaheer, P.E.
Manager, Geotechnical Engineering Consultant
Design Services
Indiana Department of Transportation
120 S. Shortridge Road
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-522-9730
mzaheer@indot.in.gov

Aamir Turk, P.E.
Manager, Geotechnical In-House Design & Geotechnical Asset Management
120 S. Shortridge Road
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-522-9728
aturk@indot.in.gov

Nayyar Siddiki, P.E.
Manager, Geotechnical Ops & Construction Technical Support Laboratory Services
Indiana Department of Transportation
120 S. Shortridge Road
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-522-9723
nsiddiki@indot.in.gov

Iqbal Khan
Supervisor, Geotechnical Field Services
120 S. Shortridge Road
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-522-9718
ikhan@indot.in.gov

Joey Franzino, P.E.
Senior Geotechnical Engineer, Landslide Project Specialist
Indiana Department of Transportation
120 S. Shortridge Road
Indianapolis, IN 46219
317-522-9714
jfranzino@indot.in.gov