The Geotechnical Society of Edmonton is pleased to present Dr. Sanat Pokharel
Date: February 10, 2026
Time: 11:30am – 1:30pm
Location: NAIT Main Campus, Productivity and Innovation Centre (10210 Princess Elizabeth Ave NW), 2nd Floor, Room PIC232 (see map on EventBrite)
Cost: Students $5 (includes free annual membership), GSE/CGS Members $25, Non-members $30
Register on EventBrite by February 8 @ 5pm
Registration 11:30 AM; Lunch 11:45 PM, Presentation 12:30 to 1:30 PM
Topic
Polymeric Cellular Confinement Systems (CCS) are engineered soil-reinforcement systems designed to enhance soil strength and performance. When applied correctly, they enable stronger, more resilient, and more cost-effective infrastructure. Dr. Pokharel will discuss how the unique material properties and geometry of polymeric CCS can be leveraged across a wide range of applications to reduce risk, improve constructability, and maximize return on investment.
Presenter
Dr. Sanat Pokharel is currently the Principal Engineer of Stratum Logics Inc. in Acheson, AB, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Victoria, BC. He is a global pioneer in ground improvement using geosynthetics, with over 37 years of experience in civil and geotechnical engineering across North America, Europe, and Asia.
A graduate of IIT Roorkee in India, Dr. Pokharel holds an MSc. from NTNU in Norway and a Ph.D. in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Kansas. He has worked extensively with governments, development agencies, international firms, and universities worldwide, contributing to the design and resolution of complex infrastructure projects involving roads, dams, canals, land development, dispute resolution, river training, and drainage management. His work also spans slope stabilization, erosion and sediment control, flood management, pavement ground improvement, and soil reinforcement, with a strong focus on sustainability.
A recognized leader in the field of geosynthetic design, Dr. Pokharel has authored more than 85 peer-reviewed publications in international journals and conferences. He co-developed the globally adopted Han and Pokharel (2015) design method for geocell-reinforced unpaved roads, now widely used in sustainable unpaved roads. The Han-Pokharel unpaved road design method has been recognized by international design standards, including ISO and the Dutch Code.