Kathryn Petek

Dr. Kathryn Petek is a Professional Engineer and Project Manager for geotechnical engineering projects, with over 17 years of experience in design, construction, and research.  Kathryn utilizes her technical expertise, practical engineering, and management skills to deliver projects that balance cost, constructability, and schedule.  Kathryn has led numerous transportation infrastructure projects related to with bridge widening and replacement, and with roadway widening and improvement.  

Kathryn’s broad technical experience includes analyzing subsurface conditions and developing recommendations for shallow and deep foundations, retaining walls and lateral earth pressures, embankments and slopes, liquefaction and seismic hazard analyses, and construction considerations for public and private clients.  Kathryn also has unique foundation expertise, with design, execution, and evaluation of numerous large diameter deep foundation load tests.  

Kathryn currently serves as a principal investigator for an ongoing FHWA research study on bearing resistance of large diameter open-end piles that will ultimately develop practice ready guidelines for use in design.

EDUCATION

• PhD, Civil and Environmental Engineering (Geotechnical), University of Washington, 2006 
• MS, Civil and Environmental Engineering (Geotechnical), University of Washington, 2001
• BS, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, 1998

LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS

• Professional Engineer (Civil), Washington

AFFILIATIONS

• American Society of Civil Engineers
• Deep Foundations Institute
• Transportation Research Board