The National Center for Infrastructure Transformation (NCIT) hosted a webinar on June 10, 2025, from 1:30–2:30 p.m. (CDT). Titled “On the Importance of Geotechnical Research to Support Strategic Goals of a Transportation Agency,” this webinar was led by Raul Velasquez, principal engineer at the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) Office of Materials and Road Research.
Dr. Velasquez explored how geotechnical research — often viewed as non-essential — is, in fact, a critical tool for advancing agency priorities related to sustainability, resilience and asset management. Through real-world examples, including the use of Light Weight Deflectometers (LWDs) for quality assurance and drone-enabled 3D modeling for slope vulnerability assessments, attendees gained insights into the tangible benefits of research-driven innovation.
The presentation also highlighted lessons learned and current barriers to implementation, offering a realistic view of how agencies can integrate geotechnical research into strategic planning.
Click here to view the presentation.
Raul Velasquez, Ph.D., PE is a principal engineer at the Office of Materials and Road Research (OMRR) at MnDOT. He primarily conducts subsurface research focused on pavement foundations and provides geomechanics technical assistance to MnDOT’s Specialty Sections and Districts. Previously, he served as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he worked on research and educational initiatives related to asphalt materials. He later worked as a senior geotechnical engineer at Barr Engineering, providing geotechnical consulting and advanced computational modeling services to government agencies and clients in the mining and energy industries.
