Gino Sicha, PhD student
Research topic: Use of geotextiles for roadway applications
Previous degree(s): Bachelor’s degree from Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru, Peru; Master’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin
Fun fact: In my free time I enjoy working out, swimming and playing golf among other sports.
Description of research
My research is focused on evaluating the impact of geotextiles in roadways when used for different applications including mitigation of subgrade-base intermixing, stabilization of base, stabilization of subgrade, and in-plane drainage of subgrade moisture. The objective is to quantify the benefit that geotextiles provide in terms of pavement performance as well as capture the mechanisms involved in each application that led to the pavement performance improvement. Analysis is based on the results of an Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) program and complementary small-scale testing to provide an extended evaluation of the use of geotextiles in roadways.
Other experience
I worked as a field engineer for two years at a construction company where I was in charge of ensuring that project construction was carried out on time, and according to quality and cost requirements. I also worked at a geosynthetic company where I was in charge of designs with geosynthetics, and estimating the amount of material and cost required for different projects.