Education

• Ph.D., Civil Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2006
• M.S., Civil Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2001
• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 1999

 

Professional Experience

• Professor, Civil Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 2023 – Present
• Associate Professor, Civil Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 2018 – 2023
• Associate Professor (2012 – 2018) and Assistant Professor (2006 – 2012), Civil Engineering, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND
• Associate Instructor (2006) and Graduate Student Researcher (2000 – 2006), Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA
• Lecturer, Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 1999 – 2000

 

Areas of Research

• Foundation Engineering for Resilient Infrastructure
• Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering
• Soil-Foundation-Structure Interaction
• Application of Theory-Guided Machine Learning

 

Courses Taught at SUNY Poly

• ESC 230 Mechanics of Materials
• CE 230 Civil Engineering Materials
• CE 304 Geotechnical Engineering
• CE 442 Foundation Engineering and Design
• CE 444 Slope Stability and Retaining Wall Design
• CE 490 Earthquake Loads

 

Awards and Honors

• SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, The State University of New York, 2024
• Engineering Research Initiation Award, National Science Foundation (NSF), 2022
• Dean’s Excellence Award for Research, College of Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 2022
• Teacher of the Year Award, College of Engineering & Architecture, North Dakota State University, 2013
• UC Davis Prize for Excellence in Geotechnical Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2005
• Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) Research Fellowship Award, California Institutes of Science and Innovation, 2003
• Best Student Paper and Presentation Award, Engineering Jubilee Congress, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2000
• First Class Honors in BS, Civil Engineering, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 1999

 

Publications

• Google scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=yVrTvg8AAAAJ&hl=en
• Research gate profile: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sivapalan-Gajan
• Web of science profile: https://www.webofscience.com/wos/author/record/AAI-4928-2020
• Orcid profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2129-8451

 

Refereed Journal Publications

• Gajan, S. (2024). Predictive modeling of rocking-induced settlement in shallow foundations using ensemble machine learning and neural networks. Frontiers in Built Environment, 10, 1402619, https://doi.org/10.3389/fbuil.2024.1402619
• Gajan, S. (2023). Prediction of acceleration amplification ratio of rocking foundations using machine learning and deep learning models. Applied Sciences, 13, 12791, https://doi.org/10.3390/app132312791
• Gajan, S. (2022). Data-driven modeling of peak rotation and tipping-over stability of rocking shallow foundations using machine learning algorithms. Geotechnics, 2, 781-801, https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics2030038
• Gajan, S. (2021). Modeling of seismic energy dissipation of rocking foundations using nonparametric machine learning algorithms. Geotechnics, 1, 534-557, https://doi.org/10.3390/geotechnics1020024
• Gajan, S. (2021). Application of machine learning algorithms to performance prediction of rocking shallow foundations during earthquake loading. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 151, 106965, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2021.106965
• Gajan, S., Soundararajan, S., Yang, M., and Akchurin, D. (2021). Effects of rocking coefficient and critical contact area ratio on the performance of rocking foundations from centrifuge and shake table experimental results. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 141, 106502, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2020.106502
• Gavras, G., Kutter, B. L., Hakhamaneshi, M., Gajan, S., Tsatsis, A., Sharma, K., Kouno, T., Deng, L., Anastasopoulos, I., and Gazetas, G. (2020). Database of rocking shallow foundation performance: Dynamic shaking. Earthquake Spectra, 36, 960–982, https://doi.org/10.1177/8755293019891727
• Hakhamaneshi, M., Kutter, B. L., Gavras, A. G., Gajan, S., Tsatsis, A., Liu, W., Sharma, K., Pianese, G., Kouno, T., Deng, L., Paolucci, R., Anastasopoulos, I., and Gazetas, G., (2020). Database of rocking shallow foundation performance: Slow cyclic and monotonic loading. Earthquake Spectra, 36, 1585-1606, https://doi.org/10.1177/8755293020906564
• Gajan, S. and Godagama, B. (2019). Seismic performance of bridge-deck-pier-type-structures with yielding columns supported by rocking foundations. Journal of Earthquake Engineering, 26, 640-673, https://doi.org/10.1080/13632469.2019.1692737
• Gajan, S. and Kayser, M. (2019). Quantification of the influence of subsurface uncertainties on the performance of rocking foundations during seismic loading. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 116, 1-14, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2018.09.029
• Parks, S., Yang, M., Gajan, S., and Pei, Q. (2017). Strength-based differential tolerable settlement limits of bridges. Advances in Structural Engineering, 21, 46-58, https://doi.org/10.1177/1369433217706779
• Yang, M., Zhong, H., Telste, M. and Gajan, S. (2016). Bridge damage localization through modified curvature method. Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, 6, 175-188, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13349-015-0150-7
• Kayser, M. and Gajan, S. (2014). Application of probabilistic methods to characterize soil variability and their effects on the bearing capacity and settlement of shallow foundations: State of the art. International Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 8, 352-364, https://doi.org/10.1179/1938636213Z.00000000073
• Gajan, S. and Saravanathiiban, D. S. (2011). Modeling of energy dissipation in structural devices and foundation soil during seismic loading. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 31, 1106-1122, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2011.02.006
• Gajan, S. (2011). Normalized relationships for depth of embedment of sheet pile walls and soldier pile walls in cohesionless soils. Soils and Foundations, 51, 559-564, https://doi.org/10.3208/sandf.51.559
• Kim, J., Gajan, S., and Saafi, M. (2011). Settlement rehabilitation of a 35-year old building: A case study integrated with analysis and implementation. Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction, 16, 215-222, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)SC.1943-5576.0000092
• Kim, J., Chu, X., and Gajan, S. (2011). Flood of the Red River Basin in 2009 and effectiveness of rapid mitigation efforts. Natural Hazards Review, 12, 1-5, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)NH.1527-6996.0000030
• Gajan, S. and McNames, C. L. (2010). Improved design of embedment depths for transmission pole foundations subject to lateral loading. Practice Periodical on Structural Design and Construction, 15, 73-81, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)SC.1943-5576.0000025
• Gajan, S., Raychowdhury, P., Hutchinson, T. C., Kutter, B. L., and Stewart, J. P. (2010). Application and validation of practical tools for nonlinear soil-foundation interaction analysis. Earthquake Spectra, 26, 111-129, https://doi.org/10.1193/1.3263242
• Gajan, S. and Kutter, B. L. (2009). Effects of moment-to-shear ratio on combined cyclic load-displacement behavior of shallow foundations from centrifuge experiments. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 135, 1044-1055, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)GT.1943-5606.0000034
• Gajan, S. and Kutter, B. L. (2009). Contact interface model for shallow foundations subjected to combined cyclic loading. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 135, 407-419, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2009)135:3(407)
• Gajan, S. and Kutter, B. L. (2008). Capacity, settlement, and energy dissipation of shallow footings subjected to rocking. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 134, 1129-1141, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2008)134:8(1129)
• Gajan, S., Phalen, J. D., Kutter, B. L., Hutchinson, T. C. and Martin, G. (2005). Centrifuge modeling of load-deformation behavior of rocking shallow foundations. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering, 25, 773-783, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soildyn.2004.11.019
• Kutter, B. L., Gajan, S., Balakrishnan, A., and Manda, K. K. (2004). Effects of layer thickness and density on settlement and lateral spreading. Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, 130, 603-614, https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(2004)130:6(603)

 

Peer-Reviewed Conference Publications

• Gajan, S. (2023). Modeling of rocking induced permanent settlement of shallow foundations using machine learning algorithms. Geo-Congress 2023, Los Angeles, CA, March 26-29, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784484685.061
• Gajan, S., Banker, W. and Bonacci, A. (2023). Data-driven modeling of seismic energy dissipation of rocking foundations using decision tree-based ensemble machine learning algorithms. Geo-Congress 2023, Los Angeles, CA, March 26-29, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784484692.031
• Soundararajan, S., Gajan, S., and Raychowdhury, P. (2022). Numerical simulations and validation of a rocking foundation model for seismic loading. 17^th Symposium on Earthquake Engineering, 3, 355-365, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, India, November 17-19, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-1579-8_28
• Gajan, S. (2021). Application of machine learning algorithms to seismic energy dissipation of rocking foundations during earthquake loading. Geo-Extreme 2021, Savannah, GA, November 7-10, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784483701.025
• Soundararajan, S. and Gajan, S. (2020). Effects of rocking coefficient on seismic energy dissipation, permanent settlement, and self-centering characteristics of rocking shallow foundations. Geo-Congress 2020, Minneapolis, MN, Feb. 25-28, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784482810.014
• Selvarajah, P. and Gajan, S. (2015). The beneficial and detrimental effects of rocking shallow foundations on superstructure during seismic loading. Geo-Quebec 2015, Quebec City, Canada, September 20-23, 2015
• Selvarajah, P. and Gajan, S. (2015). Rocking shallow foundations as seismic energy dissipaters: Theoretical analyses of experimental findings. International Conference on Geotechnical Engineering, Colombo, Sri Lanka, August 10-11, 2015
• McNames, C. L. and Gajan, S. (2009). Transmission pole foundations: Alternate design methods for direct embedded round wood pole foundations. Electrical Transmission and Substation Structures Conference, Fort Worth, TX, November 8-12, 2009
• Gajan, S. and Kutter, B. L. (2008). Numerical simulations of rocking behavior of shallow footings and comparisons with experiments. British Geotechnical Association International Conference on Foundations, Paper No. 383-992, Dundee, Scotland, 24-27 June 24-27, 2008
• Gajan, S. and Kutter, B. L. (2008). Effect of critical contact area ratio on moment capacity of rocking shallow foundations. Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics IV, Sacramento, CA, May 18-22, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1061/40975(318)133
• Deng, L., Erduran, E., Ugalde, J., Gajan, S., Kunnath, S., and Kutter, B. L. (2008). Development of innovative foundation systems to optimize seismic behavior of bridge structures. Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering and Soil Dynamics IV, Sacramento, CA, May 18-22, 2008, https://doi.org/10.1061/40975(318)160
• Ugalde, J. A., Kutter, B. L., Jeremic, B., Gajan, S., and Deng, L. (2008). Centrifuge modeling of rocking of shallow foundations for bridges. Intl. Conf. Urban Earthquake Engineering, Tokyo, Japan, March 4-5, 2008
• Gajan, S. and Kutter, B. L. (2007). A contact interface model for nonlinear cyclic moment-rotation behavior of shallow foundations. 4th Intl. Conf. Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, Paper No. 1458, Thessaloniki, Greece, June 25-28, 2007
• Ugalde, J. A., Kutter, B. L., Jeremic, B., and Gajan, S. (2007). Centrifuge modeling of rocking behavior of bridges on shallow foundations. 4th Intl. Conf. Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, Paper No. 1484, Thessaloniki, Greece, June 25-28, 2007
• Chang, B., Raychowdhury, P., Hutchinson, T. C., Thomas, J. M., Gajan, S. and Kutter, B. L. (2007). Evaluation of the seismic performance of combined frame-wall-foundation structural systems through centrifuge testing. 4th Intl. Conf. Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, Paper No. 1497, Thessaloniki, Greece, June 25-28, 2007
• Chang, B., Raychowdhury, P., Hutchinson, T. C., Thomas, J. M., Gajan, S. and Kutter, B. L. (2006). Centrifuge testing of combined frame-wall-foundation structural systems. 8th National Conf. Earthquake Engineering, Paper No. 998, San Francisco, CA, April, 2006
• Gajan, S., Kutter, B. L. and Thomas, J. (2005). Physical and numerical modeling of cyclic moment-rotation behavior of shallow foundations. 16th Intl. Conf. Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 2, 795-798, Osaka, Japan, September, 2005, https://ebooks.iospress.nl/publication/43487
• Gajan, S., Phalen, J. D., Kutter, B. L., Hutchinson, T. C. and Martin, G. (2004). Centrifuge modeling of nonlinear cyclic load-deformation behavior of shallow foundations. 11th Intl. Conf. Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering and 3rd Intl. Conf. Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering, 2, 742-749, University of California, Berkeley, January, 2004

 

Major Research Reports

• Gajan, S., Hutchinson, T. C., Kutter, B. L., Raychowdhury, P., Ugalde, J. A., and Stewart, J. P. (2007). Numerical models for the analysis and performance-based design of shallow foundations subjected to seismic loading. PEER report 2007-04, Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of California, Berkeley, https://peer.berkeley.edu/publications/2007-04
• Kutter, B. L., Martin, G., Hutchinson, T. C., Harden, C., Gajan, S., and Phalen, J.D. (2005). Workshop on modeling of nonlinear cyclic load-deformation behavior of shallow foundations. PEER report 2005-14, Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of California, Berkeley, https://peer.berkeley.edu/publications/2005-14
• Gajan, S. and Kutter, B. L. (2002). Centrifuge modeling of settlement and lateral spreading with comparisons to numerical analyses. PEER report 2002-10, Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center, University of California, Berkeley, https://peer.berkeley.edu/publications/2002-10

 

Databases and Datasets

• Gavras, A. G., Kutter, B. L., Hakhamaneshi, M., Gajan, S., Tsatsis, A., Sharma, K., Kouno, T., Deng, L., Anastasopoulos, I., Gazetas, G. and Athipotta Variam, K. (2023). FoRDy: Rocking shallow foundation performance in dynamic experiments. DesignSafe-CI, https://doi.org/10.13019/3rqyd929
• Hakhamaneshi, M., Kutter, B. L., Gavras, A. G., Gajan, S., Tsatsis, A., Gazetas, G., Anastasopoulos, I., Kouno, T., Pianese, G., Sharma, K., Deng, L., Liu, W. and Paolucci, R. (2019). FoRCy: Rocking shallow foundation performance in slow cyclic and monotonic experiments. DesignSafe-CI, https://doi.org/10.13019/t0cq-qf64