Justin Phalen, PE, GE
Justin Phalen’s primary practice includes evaluating the seismic performance and assessing the risk of large earth dams and levee systems, particularly those susceptible to liquefaction, cyclic softening, and strength loss during strong ground shaking. The evaluations of these systems range from simplistic screening analyses to full probabilistic-based performance assessments. Stability evaluations include performing two-dimensional, equivalent-linear dynamic response and deformation analyses, as well as nonlinear, finite difference (FLAC) analyses. He also develops recommendations and designs for the remediation of earth embankment structures with the potential for unacceptable seismic performance.
He has expertise in coordination, management, and development of work plans to perform complex geotechnical subsurface investigations that include drilling borings, advancing cone penetration tests (CPTs), installing instrumentation, and trenching. At sensitive dam facilities, these work plans have been routinely accepted by the State of California Division of Safety of Dams and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.