Benjamin J. Turner, P.E.
Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering Researcher @ UCLA
Research & Professional Interest
My work at UCLA focuses on soil-structure interaction problems that involve dynamic earthquake loading. As a researcher, I strive to understand the mechanisms that drive these complex, transient problems and then develop tools to be used in engineering practice that are faithful to the underlying mechanics yet are simple enough for routine use.
As a practicing consulting engineer, I am interested in the broader disciplines of foundation engineering and slope stabilization, including excavation support. I am particularly interested in problems that combine geotechnical and structural ("geo-structural") aspects, such as laterally-loaded deep foundations and slope support through ground anchors.
Background
Prior to becoming a Ph.D. student at UCLA, I obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. I then worked for Shannon & Wilson, Inc., in their Los Angeles office for two years as a staff engineer, designing and providing construction support for a variety of foundation and earth retention projects. I travelled to projects up and down the west coast from Southern California to Fairbanks, Alaska, and many places in between. See my résumé for more details.
UCLA Student Clubs
I am the president of the Earthquake Engineering Research Institute student chapter at UCLA as well as the Geo-Institute Graduate Students Organization (GI-GSO) UCLA chapter. If you are interested in getting involved with either of these clubs as a student member, sponsor, or presenter, please email me.