Yared W. Bekele, PhD

Research Scientist & Geotechnical Engineer

Computational geomechanics specialist integrating numerical modelling, applied AI, and field knowledge to deliver resilient geotechnical solutions.

“It is a good morning exercise for a research scientist to discard a pet hypothesis every day before breakfast. It keeps him young.” — Konrad Lorenz

Contact

Research Interests & Expertise

🤖 Machine Learning & AI in Geoscience

Developing ML models and generative assistants tailored to geotechnical challenges. Current work targets landslide risk assessment, mining optimization, and tunnelling injection, combining physics-informed approaches with data-driven techniques.

🔬 Computational Geomechanics

Applying advanced numerical methods (finite element, isogeometric analysis) to simulate fluid flow, heat flow, and deformation in soils/rocks with an emphasis on landslide risk assessment, climate adaptation of infrastructure foundations, and geothermal energy.

💻 Programming for Research & Applied Projects

Building and maintaining robust Python and C++ codebases for research and hobby projects. Experienced with Git-based workflows, Docker, and modern engineering practices that improve collaboration and reproducibility.

📊 Data Analysis & Visualization

Employing modern data science tools and interactive web platforms to analyze, visualize, and communicate engineering data. Creating dashboards and apps that improve insights, decision-making, and stakeholder engagement.

Education

PhD in Geotechnical Engineering / Computational Geomechanics

2012–2016 · Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway

Thesis: Isogeometric analysis of coupled problems in porous media.

Developed numerical tools for hydraulic, hydro-mechanical, and thermo-hydro-mechanical processes in soils/rocks with applications in landslide simulations and geothermal energy analyses.

MSc in Geotechnics and Geohazards

2006–2008 · Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway

Grade: A (Excellent)

Thesis: Modeling Soil-Foundation Interaction by Frequency Independent Elements, focusing on a finite element program for dynamic soil-structure interaction.

BSc in Civil Engineering

1999–2004 · Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia

GPA: 3.9/4.0 (Magna Cum Laude)

Professional Experience

Research Scientist

2017–Present · SINTEF Community, Rock and Soil Mechanics Group · Trondheim, Norway

  • Lead computational modelling, ML/AI model development, and digital tool creation for projects such as Klima2050, KlimaDigital, NoRSTRESS, and DINAMINE.
  • Deliver research-based consultancy across slope stability, foundation settlement, interpretation of ground investigations, and thermal simulations.
  • Author proposals and secure funding (RCN, EU, NORAD) and internal strategic initiatives, including ENGEOS and Infra-AI.

Geotechnical Engineer

2008–2011 · Reinertsen AS, Engineering Division · Trondheim, Norway

  • Delivered geotechnical assessments from concept to detailed design, covering subsea pipelines, soil–structure interaction, and infrastructure foundations.
  • Developed automation tools for pipe–soil interaction analyses to accelerate design cycles.

Assistant Lecturer

2004–2006 · Arba Minch University · Arba Minch, Ethiopia

  • Taught undergraduate courses in Engineering Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Structural Theory, Reinforced Concrete Design, and CAD in Civil Engineering.

Technical Skills

Programming Languages

Python, C++, Fortran, JavaScript

Development Tools

Git (GitHub, GitLab), Docker, CMake

Geotechnical Software

PLAXIS 2D/3D, FLAC3D, COMSOL Multiphysics, SLIDE, Settle3D, Temp/W

Platforms & Documentation

Linux, Windows, LaTeX, Markdown

Certifications

Selected Projects & Web Applications

🤖 GeoSim.AI

AI assistants for numerical simulations in geomechanics that demonstrate productivity gains in slope stability assessments.

🗻 3D Terrain Generator

Web app that generates 3D terrain plots from XYZ point clouds or geographic bounds, including slope profiles for risk analysis.

🔬 DISFRAC

Invitation-only tool for estimating in-situ rock stresses from hydraulic fracturing test data.

📚 Porous Media Theory

Interactive reference for coupled problems in geoengineering, including landslide simulations and heat flow analyses.

⚡ FDM2D

Finite difference solver for steady-state groundwater flow in 2D, translating research models into accessible tools.

Languages

  • Amharic — Native
  • English — Full Professional Proficiency
  • Norwegian — Full Professional Proficiency

Selected Publications

  • Bekele YW. GeoSim.AI: AI assistants for numerical simulations in geomechanics. arXiv preprint arXiv:2501.14186, 2025.
  • Bekele YW. Physics-informed neural networks with curriculum training for poroelastic flow and deformation processes. Nordic Geotechnical Meeting (NGM2024), Gothenberg, Sweden, 2024.
  • Morales M, Bekele YW. Digitalization in rock mechanics: A parametric design for numerical models in Norway. ISRM Nordic Rock Mechanics Symposium (NRMS), 2023.
  • Bekele YW, Sinitsyn A. Risk Analysis of the Impact of Natural Hazards on Cultural Heritage. Development of a Risk Assessment Tool. SINTEF, 2023.
  • Bekele YW, Fonn E, Kvamsdal T, Kvarving AM, Nordal S. Mixed Method for Isogeometric Analysis of Coupled Flow and Deformation in Poroelastic Media. Applied Sciences 12(6):2915, 2022.
  • Piciullo L, Bekele YW, Depina I, Nadim F, Langford J. A management tool to reduce the risk of damage caused by geotechnical groundworks. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 710(1), 012073, 2021.
  • Bekele YW. Physics-informed deep learning for one-dimensional consolidation. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 13(2), 420-430, 2021.
  • Bekele YW. Physics-informed deep learning for flow and deformation in poroelastic media. arXiv preprint arXiv:2010.15426, 2020.
  • Bekele YW, Kyokawa H, Kvarving AM, Kvamsdal T, Nordal S. Isogeometric analysis of THM coupled processes in ground freezing. Computers and Geotechnics 88, 129-145, 2017.
  • Bekele YW, Kvamsdal T, Kvarving AM, Nordal S. Adaptive isogeometric finite element analysis of steady-state groundwater flow. International Journal for Numerical and Analytical Methods in Geomechanics 40(5):738-765, 2016.
  • Bekele YW. Isogeometric Analysis of Coupled Problems in Porous Media. NTNU PhD Thesis, 2016.

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