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Postdoctoral researcher at The University of Tokyo�Institute of Engineering Innovation, School of Engineering
Saitama University, Ph.D., Civil Engineer, Sep 2024, Saitama, Japan, GPA: 3.5/4
The University of Tokyo, M.S., Civil Engineer, Sep 2019, Tokyo, Japan, GPA: 3.5/4
Tajik Technical University, B.S., Civil Engineer, July 2012, Dushanbe, Tajikistan , GPA:4.5/5
Geotechnical Engineering: Researcher in road construction, landslides, unsaturated soil behavior, soil analysis, and seismic analysis. Implementation of Machine Learning in geotechnical research. Technical Proficiency: Advanced in data analysis and modeling (Origine, Python, MATLAB), Data-driven models, Machine Learning, Convolutional Neural Networks, proficient in AutoCAD and Civil3D for BIM, GIS software, including ArcGIS Pro. International Experience: Project management and civil infrastructure expertise in Japan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. Multilingual: Fluent in Tajik, Russian, English, Persian; conversational in Japanese (improving level of Japanese). Scholarly Contributions: Publications and presentations at international geotechnical conferences. Professional Affiliations: Active member of JGS, JSCE, Australian Geomechanics Society, Canadian Geotechnical Society. Sustainability Advocacy: Committed to resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development. Project Leadership: Proven track record in managing complex projects, ensuring quality, timeline, and budget adherence. Academic experience: Unsaturated/Saturated triaxial tests, model tests using a large shaking table, simulation using linear regression model, accelerometers, pore water pressure sensors, volumetric water content sensors, displacement transducers, amplifiers.
Name of Assignment or Project: • 500 MW Zarafshan Wind Power Project – Grid Studies & Geotechnical Investigations, • 500 MW Zarafshan Wind Power Project – Met Mast • Syrdarya CCGT PPP Project, • 500 MW Zarafshan Wind Power Project – Preliminary Geotechnical Investigations (Phase II), • Large-scale solar PV project surveys in Surkhandarya, Jizzakh, and Samarkand, • Support for the Implementation of Wind Auctions in Uzbekistan (Phase II), • Solar Measurement Campaign for three sites in Surkhandarya, Jizzakh, and Samarkand, • Karakul, Bash, and Dzhankeldy 500KV OHTL, • 500 MW Zarafshan Wind Power Project – Preliminary Geotechnical Investigations for Extension Area Employer: Juru Energy Ltd Year: 05/2020-12/2022 Location: Uzbekistan Client: IFC, EBRD, ACWA, Masdar
Main Project Features: As part of the Civil Engineer and Geotechnical Group, I am responsible for the daily management and development of a specialist geotechnical consultancy business. Tasks included work winning, technical delivery, and promoting new product development. During bidding and project work, they maintained close liaison with the Engineering Geology & Geohazards and Advanced Geomechanics teams. Completed projects as a Geotechnical Engineer include: Ground investigations and grid connection study for Uzbekistan CCGT Power Plant. Construction of wind farms with 25 to 35 and 125 to 150 Wind Turbine Generators (WTGs) in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan. Preliminary geotechnical investigations for a new CCGT plant (SyTPP_2) and a 100MW PV Project, including access road properties analysis.
Positions Held: Geotechnical Engineer/Material Engineer
Activities Performed: • Conducted site investigations and prepared technical reports, including factual and interpretive analysis. • We performed dynamic and seismic analysis of soils, including liquefaction modeling. • We analyzed materials for road construction, focusing on the subgrade, base, and pavement preparation. • They provided recommendations for future construction based on soil parameters. • We have conducted ground improvement analysis, including soil mixing, stone columns, jet grouting, and geotextiles. • I have prepared reports adhering to "GOST" and international standards like AASHTO and ASTM in civil engineering. • Managed design reviews, soil investigation, and testing; supervised work, ensuring contractors' materials met specifications and managed site quality processes.
Name of Assignment or Project: CARs-4 (Fourth Phase of Central Asia Regional Links Program)
Employer: World Bank Year: 05/2021 – 09/2021 Location: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Main Project Features: The CARs-4 Project aims to enhance regional connectivity in the Sughd Oblast and Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), with a development objective focused on increasing opportunities for trade and travel.
Positions Held: Transport Specialist/Material Engineer/Highway Engineer
Activities Performed: • Detailed inspections of prequalification documentation prepared by Temelsu, including data collection and comparison from the Ministry of Transportation of the Republic of Tajikistan. • She collaborated closely with the World Bank team for data analysis necessary for the bidding procedure of the new project. • She managed day-to-day progress and communication with the Ministry of Transportation and the World Bank team. • As a Resident Engineer, was responsible for the collection and analysis of various detailed and feasibility reports, including: • Preliminary Engineering Design Report. • Geological Study Report. • Economic Assessment Report. • Preliminary Environment and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP). • Resettlement Policy Framework (RPF). • Social Impact Screening Report. • Draft Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP). • Draft Labor Management Procedure (LMP). • Preliminary Bill of Quantities (BOQ).
Employer: UN-HABITAT Urban Lab Year: 11/2020 – 06/2021 Location: Dushanbe, Tajikistan Client: AKAH
Main Project Features: Civil engineer resilience specialist in the Integrated Spatial Plan for Khorog City, Tajikistan.
Position Held: Civil Engineer (Sustainable Development Specialist)
Activities Performed: • Provide expert technical support in formulating sustainable urban development plans, focusing on resilient infrastructure and environmental sustainability. • Facilitate technical dialogues between stakeholders to align urban development initiatives with sustainable engineering practices. • Monitor regulatory changes at national, regional, and local levels, particularly those impacting urban planning and sustainable development, and advise the project team accordingly. • Assist city authorities in integrating sustainable civil engineering practices into policy frameworks and urban planning guidelines. • Drafting sustainable urban development plans, incorporating green building principles, renewable energy integration, and efficient resource management. • Leading data collection and analysis efforts from city authorities, ensuring data accuracy for sustainable planning. • Conduct thorough technical reviews of project outputs, providing recommendations to enhance sustainability and resilience in urban infrastructure. • We are developing and refining methodologies for sustainable urbanization, focusing on resilient design and eco-friendly practices. • Offer technical insights for capacity-building programs to empower city authorities with knowledge of sustainable urban development. • Organizing and leading multi-disciplinary workshops focused on sustainable engineering solutions in urban planning, managing logistics, and stakeholder participation. • It is translating complex technical documents and communications between English and Tajik to facilitate effective knowledge sharing. • Ensuring adherence to principles of Climate Change mitigation, Gender Equality, Human Rights, and inclusivity in all aspects of the project.
Employer: Project Implementation Group Year: 02/2020 – 05/2020 Location: Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Client: Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Tajikistan (MOTC RT)
Main Project Features: The CARs-4 Project's development objective was to enhance regional connectivity in the Sughd Oblast and Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), thereby improving opportunities for trade and travel.
Position Held: Civil Engineer / Road Construction
Activities Performed: • Conducted design reviews, soil investigations, and testing, ensuring all works adhered to project specifications. • Supervised construction activities, ensuring the conformity of materials with specifications and managing site quality processes. This included approval of asphalt and concrete mix designs and implementation of QC/QA procedures. • I inspected the quality of work to ensure high standards and compliance with project requirements. • Supervised the installation, organization, and location of contractors' field laboratories. Monitored the mobilization of testing equipment to ensure laboratories were adequately equipped and met all testing requirements specified in the contract. • We are monitoring the setup of contractors' stone crushers and concrete and asphalt mixing plants, ensuring full compliance with established equipment requirements. • I checked the design and operation of a concrete crushing plant to ensure its effectiveness and safety. • Managed and controlled the quality of construction materials. Conducted laboratory and field testing of rigid pavement and non-rigid pavement materials by ASTM, AASHTO standards, and other specifications.
Name of Assignment or Project: Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Corridor 3 and 5 Enhancement Project
Employer: Top International Engineering Group Year: 02/2015 – 05/2017 Location: Tajikistan
Client: Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Tajikistan (MOTC RT)
Main Project Features: The project's main objective was to improve road conditions and safety along the 89-kilometer Sayron-Karamyk section of CAREC corridors 3 and 5 and the 87-km Vose-Khovaling road. The scope included upgrading feeder roads to rural communities, building solar energy facilities, and improving public facilities, including drainage works, landslide protection measures, and road safety enhancements.
Position Held: Civil Engineer / Road Construction
Activities Performed: • Monitored, planned, and implemented construction projects, ensuring completion within timeframes and budgets. • Organized logistics, delegated tasks, and managed expenses. Established work schedules and plans, liaising with clients and construction professionals. • Reviewed and monitored the Contractor's work program and schedule of the Construction Plan. Prepared monthly progress reports and addressed potential disputes under FIDIC guidelines. • Evaluated variation orders and assisted the Client in decision-making. • Led weekly progress meetings with the Contractor to identify issues and prevent delays. • I conducted a delay analysis to address the Contractor's claims for an extension of time due to unforeseeable physical conditions. • Supervised the Contractor's work progress, ensuring adherence to plans and specifications—established measurement systems for interim and final payments. • Reviewed and approved work plans, method statements, reports, and QA/QC records. • Monitored activities likely to cause cost overruns and supervised the operation of the Contractor's performance in line with FIDIC. • Facilitated cooperation with relevant authorities and stakeholders. • Provided the Client with complete records and reviewed and approved "As-built" drawings. • I evaluated variations and recommended new rates and extensions of time (EOT) to the Client. • I checked the Environmental Monitoring Report to ensure compliance with the requirements of the Bank and the Employer.
Name of Assignment or Project: Road Project in Tajikistan Dushanbe-Uzbek Border
Employer: GUPIP Loihakash Year: 07/2014 – 02/2015 Location: Tajikistan Client: Ministry of Transport and Communications
Main Project Features: This project involved civil works contracts under the 2006 harmonized FIDIC contract conditions for a 112 km segment, a Design and Build contract. The scope included earthworks, drainage, pavement construction, bridge construction, slope protection, and retaining wall construction.
Position Held: Material Engineer
Activities Performed: • Quality Assurance for civil works contracts under the 2006 harmonized FIDIC conditions. • Supervised the installation, organization, and location of contractors' field laboratories, ensuring the mobilization of testing equipment met all contract requirements. • Monitored the setup of contractors' stone crushers, concrete, and asphalt mixing plants, ensuring compliance with established equipment requirements. • Reviewed the design and operation of a concrete crushing plant, ensuring effectiveness and efficiency. • Managed and controlled the quality of construction materials. This included laboratory and field testing of rigid and non-rigid pavement materials by ASTM, AASHTO standards, and other specifications. • Ensured all construction materials and processes met the project's rigorous standards and specifications.
Name of Assignment or Project: Road Rehabilitation of Dushanbe - Regar - Uzbekistan Border
Employer: SMEC International PTY LTD Project Cost: USD 85 Million Funded by: Asian Development Bank Year: 06/2012 – 07/2014 Location: Tajikistan Client: Ministry of Transport, Republic of Tajikistan
Main Project Features: The project involved civil works contracts under the 2006 harmonized FIDIC conditions of contract for a 56 km segment, designed and built under stringent specifications. The scope included earthworks, drainage, pavement construction, bridge building, and construction for border control facilities, focusing on controlling design drawings and ensuring compliance with project standards.
Position Held: Material Engineer
Activities Performed: • Conducted quality checks on concrete and reinforcement to ensure compliance with construction norms and regulations. • Monitored the recording and calibration of laboratory equipment and controlled the composition of concrete mix designs. • Supervised the installation, organization, and location of contractors' field laboratories, ensuring that testing equipment was adequately equipped to meet all contract testing requirements. • Oversaw the setup of contractors' stone crushers, concrete, and asphalt mixing plants, ensuring full compliance with established equipment requirements. • Reviewed the design and operation of a concrete crushing plant, focusing on efficiency and compliance with safety standards. • Managed and conducted quality control of construction materials, including laboratory and field testing of rigid and non-rigid pavement materials, adhering to ASTM, AASHTO standards, and other project specifications.
• Author identification ORCID: 0000-0003-2170-4755 • Watanabe, K., Zafar, A., Tomita, M. and Nishikouri, K.: Three-dimensional dynamic behaviour of embankments on liquefiable ground, Géotechnique Letters, Volume 12, Issue 1, March, 2022, pp. 1-5, https://doi.org/10.1680/jgele.21.00040, Telford Premium Prize 2023 • Avzalshoev, Z.; Uchimura, T. An Experimental Approach to Investigating Quasi-Saturation Using Darcy’s Law. Sustainability 2023, 15, 10459. https://doi.org/10.3390/su151310459,
• 8th International Conference on Debris Flow Hazard Mitigation, DFHM8, Torino 26-29 June 2023, The July 2015 Debris flow in Barsem, Western Pamir (GBAO) Tajikistan: description and causes, Avzalshoev Zafar, Taro Uchimura. • 17th Asian Regional Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 2023, 14-18 August Astana, Kazakhstan, Case study of slope failure and early warning system of landslides induced by heavy rainfall in Tajikistan, Central Asia, Avzalshoev Zafar, Taro.Uchimura.
• Japanese Society of Geotechnical Engineers (JGS) since 2019; • Japanese Society of Civil Engineers (JSCE) since 2019. • Australian Geomechanics Society • The Canadian Geotechnical Society • Geotechnical Construction, Material & Environment
• 13-th (GIMUN) Geneva International Modem United Nation Annual conference April 2012 “Accesses to Finance” research with First Microfinance Bank (FMFB) Dushanbe, 15 Feb – 15 Mar, 2020; • Certificate (Design program CREDO, Auto-Cad); • Designing the Road; • Microsoft Office Project program.
Tajik - Native; Russian - Excellent; English - Excellent; Japanese - Basic