Embedded Retaining Walls

I am Shahram, born on 21/03/1976 in a picturesque northwest city in Iran. My educational journey began in the local primary and intermediate schools. Fueled by my passion for mathematics and physics, I delved into high school, choosing these subjects and excelling in them. My thirst for knowledge led me directly to university after high school. I enrolled in civil engineering at Tabriz University, one of Iran's top-tier educational institutions. During my academic years, I seized opportunities to enhance my practical skills. Summer holidays were spent meticulously surveying landscapes with advanced equipment like the Total Station. Eager to deepen my understanding of geotechnical engineering, I pursued further studies at Guilan University. This decision brought me to the bustling capital city, Tehran, where I balanced academics with part-time work. Collaborating with a consulting engineer specializing in railways, roads, and bridges, I honed my skills as a draftsperson, contributing to various road and bridge projects. Nearly five years with this company, coupled with experiences in heavy steel structures with another contractor, equipped me with robust expertise in designs and on-site management. Equipped with a wealth of knowledge, I ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing my own firm. Specializing in oil and gas projects, road construction, and bridges, my company undertook significant projects, leveraging my combined civil and geotechnical expertise. Understanding the vital role of continuous learning in the ever-evolving field of engineering, I embraced teaching at a university. Sharing my experiences with aspiring engineers became my way of giving back to the profession. In the face of political changes and global events, my wife and I made the difficult decision to relocate from Iran, prioritizing our children's future. I arrived in New Zealand in October 2019, paving the way for my family to join me in 2022, after enduring challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In my professional life, I served as an engineering manager, spearheading significant projects in both structural and geotechnical domains. I am passionate about knowledge sharing, believing it to be a fundamental aspect of our engineering responsibilities. Whether working or teaching, I make it a point to impart my experiences, helping shape the next generation of engineers. Biking, mountain climbing, programming (creating an alive creature) and camping are not just hobbies but ways for me to connect with the world outside the confines of a classroom or an office.

Darryl Johnson II is a creative thinker based in sunny Southern California. A prolific content creator, he has published several dozen works for wind band, jazz band, and orchestra and is the author of dozens more print and multimedia publications in both the fiction and non-fiction categories. Along the way, he has delivered academic presentations to hundreds of schools in over 40 states and 3 countries and has received regular laudits for a supportive and relatable approach to education. A composer of music and a composer of words, Darryl Johnson II has developed an insatiable interest in a broad range of concepts and ideas that have been refined by the fires of art and strategy and he is passionate about inviting others on new and interesting journeys of thought, experience, and design.