Burak F. Tanyu

Assistant Professor, Geotechnical and Geological Engineering

Telephone: (703) 993-5621
Fax: (703) 993-9790
Email: btanyu@gmu.edu
Office Location: Suite 1409, Nguyen Engineering Building
Mailing Address: Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, 4400 University Dr, Nguyen Engineering Building, Suite 1300, MS 6C1, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030-4444

Academic Employment:

  • Assistant Professor (August 2011-present)
    Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
  • Graduate Research Assistant (August 1999-June 2003)
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant (August 2002-May 2003)
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI
  • Graduate Teaching Assistant (August 1996-May 1999)
    Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas, Arlington, TX

Professional Experience/Employment:

Geosyntec Consultants, Chicago, IL – Senior staff engineer to Senior engineer, 2003-2011
Selective project areas include:

  • Landslide forensic analyses and developing mitigation
  • Earth retention system designs
  • Seep investigation and embankment stability
  • Site characterization and assessment
  • Designing and permitting residual waste landfills

Education:

  • PhD, University of Wisconsin – Madison,
    Geo-Engineering Program, 2003
  • MS, University of Texas-Arlington,
    Earth and Environmental Sciences, 1999
  • BS, Dokuz Eylül University, Geological Engineering, Izmir-Turkey, 1996

Research Interests:

  • Recycled materials in geo-engineering and transportation
  • Ground improvement: physical, chemical, and biological methods
  • Earth retaining structures and reinforced soil
  • Soil shear strength characterization
  • Slope instabilities and landslide prediction
  • Geoenvironmental engineering
  • Geosynthetics

Teaching:

  • Sources of geotechnical data
  • Earth retaining structures and slope stability
  • Introduction to groundwater
  • Construction systems
  • Engineering geology
  • Soil mechanics

Publications:

Books/Course Manuals Written:
  1. Tanyu, B. F., Sabatini, P. J., and Berg, R. R. (2007) NHI Course Manual for “Earth Retaining Structures-Load and Resistance Factor Design”, An update of the 2005 course, NHI Course Manual Number FHWA-NHI-05-046, NHI Course Number 132036, National Highway Institute, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C.
  2. Sabatini, P. J. and Tanyu, B. F. (2006) NHI Course Manual for “Micropile Design and Construction”, NHI Course Manual Number FHWA-NHI-05-039, NHI Course Number 132078, National Highway Institute, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C.
  3. Tanyu, B. F., Sabatini, P. J., and Berg, R. R. (2005) NHI Course Manual for “Earth Retaining Structures-Allowable Stress Design”, NHI Course Manual Number FHWA-NHI-05-046, NHI Course Number 132036, National Highway Institute, Federal Highway Administration, Washington, D.C.
Journal Publications:
  1. DeJong, J.T., Soga, K.S., Kavazanijan, E., Burns, S., van Paassen, L., Fragazsy, R., Al Qabany, A., Aydilek, A.H., Bang, S..S., Burbank, M., Caslake, L., Chen, C.Y., Chhu, J., Ciiurli, S., Fauriel, S., Filet, A.E., Hamdan, N., Hata, T., Inagaki, Y., Jefferis, S., Kuo, M., Larrahondo, J., Manning, D., Martinez, B., Mortensen, B., Nelson, D., Palomino, A., Renforth, P., Santamarina,, J.C., Seagren, E.A., Tanyu, B., Tsesarsky, M., and Weaver, T. “Biogeochemical Processes and Geotechnical Applications: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges”, “Under Review”.
  2. Tanyu, B.F., Aydilek, A.H., Lau, A., Edil. T.B., and Benson, C.H. “Laboratory Evaluation of Geocell-Reinforced Gravel Subbase over Poor Subgrades”, “Under Review”.
  3. Guney, Y., Cetin, B. Aydilek, A.H., Koparal, A.S., and Tanyu, B. “Mechanical and Hydraulic Performance of Zeolite-Sepiolite Mixtures”, “Under Review”
  4. Martinez, B. C., Dejong, J.T., Mortensen, B.M., Barkouki, T.H., Ginn, T.R., Hunt, C., Tanyu, B.F., Major, D. (2012) “Experimental Optimization of Microbial Induced Carbonate Precipitation”, Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, ASCE, accepted for publication in June.
  5. Kim, W. H., Edil, T. B., Benson, C. H., and Tanyu, B. F. (2006) “Deflection of Prototype Geosynthetic-Reinforced Working Platforms Over Soft Subgrade”, Journal of  Transportation Research Record, 1975, 137-145.
  6. Tanyu, B. F., Edil, T. B., Benson, C. H and Kim, W. H. (2005) “Development of Methodology to Include Structural Contribution of Alternative Working Platforms in Pavement Structure”, Journal of Transportation Research Record, 1936, 70-77.
  7. Kim, W. H., Edil, T. B., Benson, C. H and Tanyu, B. F. (2005) “Structural Contribution of Geosynthetic-Reinforced Working Platforms in Flexible Pavement”, Journal of Transportation Research Record, 1936, 43-50.
  8. Tanyu, B. F., Benson, C. H, Edil, T. B. and Kim, W. H. (2004) “Equivalency of Crushed Rock and Three Industrial By-Products For Working Platforms During Pavement Construction”, Journal of Transportation Research Record, 1874, 59-69.
  9. Edil, T. B., Benson, C. H., Bin-Shafique, M. S., Tanyu, B. F., Kim, W. H., and Senol, A. (2002) “Field Evaluation of Construction Alternatives for Roadway Over Soft Subgrade”, Journal of Transportation Research Record, 1786, 36-48.
Refereed Conference Proceedings:
  1. Tanyu, B.F., Neal, W., Seymour, J.P., Bodine, D., Bozok, O. (2011) “Case Study: Stability of Two Horizontal to One Vertical Embankment” ASCE, Geo-Frontiers Conference, March, 2011, Dallas, Texas
  2. DeJong, J.T., Martinez, B.M., Mortensen, D.C., Nelson, D.C., Waller, J.T., Weil, M.H., Ginn, T.R., Weathers, T., Barkouki, T., Fujita, Y., Redden, G., Hunt, C., Major, D., Tanyu, B. (2009) “Upscaling of Bio-Mediated Soil Improvement”, 17th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Alexandria, Egypt, Vol. 3, pp. 2300-2303.
  3. Bodine, D, Tanyu, B.F., Sabatini, P.J., Ajlouni, M.A., and Limes, D.E. (2009) “Design and Permitting of a Residual Waste Landfill Over An Existing Ash Reservoir”, ASCE International Foundation Congress & Equipment Expo, March 15-19, Orlando, FL
  4. Edil, T. B., Kim, W. H., Benson, C. H., and Tanyu, B. F. (2007) “Contribution of GeoSynthetic Reinforcement to Granular Layer Stiffness”, ASCE Geotechnical Special Publication on Soil and Material Inputs for Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design, GeoDenver, February 2007 conference.
  5. Tanyu, B. F., Kim, W. H., Edil, T. B. and Benson, C. H. (2003) “Comparison of Laboratory Resilient Moduli with Back-Calculated Elastic Moduli from Large-Scale Model Experiments and FWD Tests on Granular Materials”, Resilient Modulus Testing for Pavement Components, STP 1437, G. Durham, A. Marr, and W. De Groff, eds., ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA, 191-208.
Special Publications/Reports:
  1. Martin, J., Benson, C., Chapman, M., Eddy, M., Green, R., Kammerer, A., Lasley, S., Lazarte, C., Nikolau, S., Tanyu, B., and Tutle, M. (2011) “Geotechnical Reconnaissance of the 2011 Central Virginia Earthquake” prepared by Geotechnical Extreme Event Reconnaissance Team (GEER), October. (authors are listed in alphabetical order-except J. Martin)
  2. Baker, G., Heslinga, D., Gold, M., Huff, L., Israel, R., Lazzara, J., McDonald, D., Mesha, P., Payonk, J., Staron, A., Stirk, M., Tanyu, B. F., Williams, C. (2011) “I-LAST: Illinois Livable and Sustainable Transportation Rating System and Guide” prepared for Illinois Department of Transportation by ACEC’s Sustainability Subcommittee. (authors are listed in alphabetical order)

Poster Presentations:

  1. Lindenmuth, S.P. and Tanyu, B.F. (2012) “Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation in Fly Ash Ponds”, George Mason Univeristy, 1st Annual OSCAR Summer Poster Session, August 3, Fairfax, VA
  2. Tanyu, B. F.(2012) “Summary of First Year Progress in Academia”, USUCGER’s NSF Sponsored 1st Early Career Geotechnical Engineering Conference, July 8, Boston, MA.
  3. Tanyu, B. F., Sabatini, P. J. (2009) “Importance of Developing Representative Interface Shear Strength Testing Program”, Geosyntec Consultants, GEAG Conference, Austin, TX.
  4. Tanyu, B. F., Albrecht, B., Kern, K. S., Bodine, D., Johnson, G., and Sabatini, P. J. (2007) “Muskingum River Residual Waste Landfill – Permit Application”, Geosyntec Consultants, GEAG Conference, Oakland, CA.
  5. Tanyu, B. F., Sabatini, P. J. (2006) “Modest Laboratory Testing Results in Significant Construction Cost Savings at an FGD Landfill”, Geosyntec Consultants, GEAG Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  6. Tanyu, B. F., Sabatini, P. J. (2005) Hendron. D. “Design and Construction of Leachate Interceptor Trench at Closed Landfill”, Geosyntec Consultants, GEAG Conference, Tampa, FL.
  7. Tanyu, B. F. “Micropile Design and Construction for Structural Support and Slope Stability”, Geosyntec Consultants, GEAG Conference, Chicago, IL.
  8. Tanyu, B. F. and Burkart, B. (1999) “Relationship of Gypsum Content of the Woodbine and Eagle Ford Groups in Tarrant County, Texas to Deformation of Road Subgrades”, The 33rd Annual Meeting South-Central Section, the Geological Society of America, Lubbock, TX.

Honors and Awards:

  • 26th Geotechnical Extreme Event Reconnaissance Team Member, 2011
  • Pro Bono Publico Award, ACEC, 2009
  • National Highway Institute Teaching Certification, 2008
  • Geosyntec Northeast/Great Lakes Exceptional Performer Award, 2007
  • Geosyntec GEAG Poster Excellence Award, 2004 and 2009
  • Research Excellence Award, University of Texas-Arlington, 1999
  • Teaching Appreciation Award, University of Texas-Arlington, 1999
  • Outstanding International Student Award, University of Texas-Arlington, 1999
  • Teaching Excellence Award, 1998
  • Top Student of Graduating Class Award, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey, 1996
  • Nationwide Research Excellence Award, Turkish Geological Engineering Chamber, 1995

Professional services:

George Mason University

  • Committee Member, Volgenau School of Engineering Academic Appeals Committee

Transportation Research Board

  • Chairman, Physicochemical and Biological Processes of Soils Committee, AFP40, 2012-current
  • Committee Member, Geosynthetics, AFS70, 2009-current

National Highway Institute

  • Certified Instructor, Earth Retaining Structures, 2009-current
  • Certified Instructor, Design of MSE Walls and Reinforced Soil Slopes, 2009-current
  • Certified Instructor, Micropile Design and Construction, 2008-current

American Society of Civil Engineers

  • Committee Member, Geoenvironmental Engineering Committee, 2011-current

American Council of Engineering Companies

  • Committee Member, Sustainability

Affiliations with Other Professional Socities

  • American Association of Engineering and Environmental Geologist
  • Turkish Geological Engineering Chamber

Journal Reviewer

  • ASCE Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering
  • Transportation Research Record
  • International Journal of Pavement Engineering
  • International Society for Soil Mechnanics and Geotechnical Engineering
  • Geosynthetics International