CV

Berk Demir

Underground engineer specialized in tunnels, structural design and geotechnical engineering.

M: +45 60 25 49 01
E: bdberkdemir@gmail.com
W: berkdemir.github.io / LinkedIn
A: Copenhagen, Denmark

Brief Summary

I started my career as a geotechnical engineer and worked on many aspects of geotechnics such as deep excavations, deep foundations, liquefaction remediation and so on. Later, I continued my work on the Istanbul metro as lead tunnel designer for both TBM and NATM tunnels. After moving to Denmark, I continued to work on various underground projects with an increasing focus on structural design.

Professional Experience

Academic Background

Technical Publications

• Demir, B., Bauduin, C., Palaiologou, M., Christensen, J. D., Yding, S., & Tomac, S. K. (2024). Site tests on retaining systems and uplift anchors of Nordhavnstunnel in Denmark. In Geotechnical Engineering Challenges to Meet Current and Emerging Needs of Society (pp. 2235-2240). CRC Press. PDF
• Recommendations for Pseudo-Static Deformation for Seismic Analyses of Tunnels, Berk Demir & Pinar Akdogan Demir, 2022. Post
• Master Thesis: Performance of Short Anchors Inside the Failure Wedge (2019)
• Comparison of Simplified Piled Raft Calculation Methods with Plaxis 3D and Details of Hardening Soil Model (2019) — ResearchGate
• P-Y Curves and Turkish Building Earthquake Code Requirements (2 papers), B. Demir, A. S. Peker, S. K. Tomaç, 4th Bridges and Viaducts Symposium, 2019 — Part 1 / Part 2
• Comparison of Construction Methods of Jet Grout Columns, B. Demir, M. S. Nalçakan, 16th National Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, Erzurum, Turkey, 2016

Skills

Software: Plaxis 2D & 3D · Python · Lusas · Strusoft FemDesign · Rocscience (Settle, Slide, RS2) · Ensoft (LPile, Group, Shaft) · Geologismiki · Optum · Autodesk Robot · Grasshopper

Python tools built in Streamlit for daily design work: RC Beam Design · Tunnel Analytical Lining Forces · Tunnel Deformation Assessment · M-N Interaction Curve · Hoek Brown Analysis · Convergence Confinement Method · Drawdown due to Tunnel · Steel Strut Capacity · Tunnel Relaxation Factor · Tunnel Face Stability · 3D Settlement Analysis · Longitudinal Pipe Capacity · Steel Fibre Crack Width · Volume Loss Fit for Measurements

Languages: Turkish (native) · English (fluent) · Danish (intermediate)

Recent Key Projects

Copenhagen M5 Metro (2023–2025)

JV: COWI & Arup   |   Client: Metroselskabet A/S, Denmark   |   Hours: >2500

Design of the M5 Metro reference design for the tender for Metroselskabet. M5 Metro is the next metro line in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Phase-1 — Innovation studies:

• Removal of lining wall in metro stations and use of retaining walls as the main lining wall
• Geopolymer concrete use in the M5 metro
• Minimum reinforcement methodology — update on the Danish square root formula

Phase-2:

• Station lead — coordination of all disciplines for the design of two underground stations, including ARC and M&E
• Structural design lead for the two underground stations (Sofistik for the main station, FemDesign for smaller structures)

metrolinjem5.kk.dk

Nordhavnstunnel (2022–2023)

JV: MT Højgaard & Besix   |   Client: Vejdirektoratet, Denmark   |   Hours: >800

Nordhavnstunnel is a 1.6 km cut-and-cover, cast-in-situ tunnel in Copenhagen, Denmark.

• All design works during the tender: Lusas models of representative sections, reinforcement calculations and quantity take-off, uplift anchor calculations for all segments, settlement calculations and shear key discussions
• Design coordination after the tender: design lead for structural and fire design, relationship to 3rd party, coordination of design works and QA of design reports

Valby Cloudburst Tunnel (2021–2023)

Client: HOFOR   |   Hours: >1300

Detailed design of 4 shafts (~15 m diameter, ~20 m depth) and DN3400/OD4000 pipe jacking.

• TBM-related studies, pipe and alignment studies
• Settlement analyses due to tunnelling and excavations
• Technical coordination of structural and geotechnical shaft design

Kransen Culvert Deep Excavation (2021–2022)

JV: Acciona & Implenia   |   Client: Bane Nor, Norway   |   Hours: 800

Design of excavation for the Sandbukta–Moss–Såstad (SMS2A) project, Kransen culvert section, using diaphragm walls and prestressed struts in a quick clay slope.

• Design lead for all temporary works, including design basis and safety discussions
• All finite element analyses including detailed temperature studies of structural elements

Design activities have been paused due to risks in the area.

GFRP Reinforcement in TBM Tunnel Segments (2023)

Client: Metroselskabet, Copenhagen   |   Hours: 200

As part of Metroselskabet’s innovation study initiative, the feasibility of GFRP reinforcement for TBM tunnel segments was investigated — including detailed CO₂ comparisons, fire behaviour discussions, durability studies for possible TBM tunnel depths, and load scenarios using Lusas.

Istanbul Metro / Çekmeköy–Sultanbeyli Line (2019–2021)

JV: Doğuş & Yapı Merkezi & Özaltın   |   Client: Istanbul Municipality   |   Hours: >2500

Detailed design of TBM and NATM tunnels issued to 3rd party and client review, including construction details, 2D and 3D NATM/TBM models and seismic assessments.

• TBM design: EPB TBM with 6.57 m diameter. Design packages include segment design and EPB pressure estimates for alignment. Construction details such as thrust frame, thrust ring inside NATM and launching/receiving schemes were successfully delivered.
• NATM design: Temporary support design of all NATM tunnels (including very soft soil conditions) was delivered. Coordinated, supported and QA’d the structural teams for the permanent lining design.

Other Projects

• Klimatilpasning af det centrale Lyngby (2021–2022) — 9 pipe jacking drives (DN1200) and 12 shafts in Lyngby
• Çanakkale 1915 Bridge (2018–2019) — Peer review of design including anchor block foundations, deep foundations in liquefiable areas and technical specifications
• Bodrum Highway Tunnels (2018–2019) — 2-lane NATM highway tunnels in mountainous terrain
• Akyazi–Dokurcun Road (2018) — Balanced cantilever viaduct foundation and 40 m excavation in weathered rock
• Dar es Salaam–Morogoro Railway (2018) — Geotechnical designer for 205 km design-and-build project, Tanzania
• Cargo Building Foundation, Istanbul New Airport (2018) — Turkish Airlines
• Excavation Design in Galataport, Istanbul (2017) — Salipazari Port Management
• Grand Canyon Sofia (2017) — Remediation of problematic diaphragm wall panels
• Çanakkale Children’s Science Museum (2017) — Liquefaction remediation near Aegean Sea
• Hopa–Borçka Highway Cutting (2017)
• Dam Landslide (1.5 km × 0.6 km) Stabilization (2017) — Kalehan Energy
• Polatlı–Afyon High Speed Train (2015–2017) — 88 km stretch, 57 embankments, stone columns, 40+ structures
• Ataköy Sea Pearl (2015–2017) — Retaining systems near Marmara Sea
• Ulus Cultural and Convention Center (2016–2017) — Deep excavation up to 22 m in variable ground
• Çukurova Regional Airport (2016) — Ground improvement of various buildings
• Mavişehir Optimum Mall (2016) — Deep excavation with diaphragm wall, anchor systems and jet grout foundations
• Dalaman Airport International Arrivals (2016) — Jet grout improvement for very soft clay and liquefiable sands
• Turkmenistan Gas to Gasoline (GTG) (2015–2016) — Plaxis 2D analyses and ground improvement design to reduce settlements to structural limits
• Melen Dam Road Landslide Stabilization (2015) — Stabilization of 3 million m³ landslide with heel fill
• Buski East Waste Water Treatment Facility (2015) — Jet grout ground improvement to prevent liquefaction and excessive settlements
• Technical Office support (2014–2015) — Ozdilek Mall, Riyadh Metro Line 3, Balkupu silo foundations, various deep excavation projects