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February 10, 2025

Engineer of the Year

Ralph Boirum

HWA Geosciences

Boirum

Ralph Boirum’s distinguished career of 45 years in geotechnical consulting has earned him the recognition of the ACEC Washington 2025 Engineer of the Year. His expertise, dedication and leadership in the geotechnical engineering field are exemplified through his involvement in over 6,000 engineering projects, ranging from small-scale residential and commercial developments to large transportation, utility, and industrial projects across the Pacific Northwest and internationally. Boirum, a senior geotechnical engineer and principal with HWA Geosciences, has provided critical engineering services in projects that span diverse industries, such as infrastructure, heavy industry, transportation and wastewater management.

Boirum’s deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience have made him a vital contributor to the design and construction of some of the region’s most significant and complex projects. His work in areas like foundation engineering, slope stabilization and seismic analysis has had a transformative impact on infrastructure throughout Washington state. Notably, Ralph led the geotechnical design studies for the Downtown Seattle Transit Project (1983—1986), overseeing the design and construction of twin transit tunnels and five stations running through 25 blocks of downtown Seattle. This project was a monumental task that required precise geotechnical studies due to the challenging soil conditions and seismic activity of the region.

In addition to his work on transit systems, Boirum also provided expertise for a variety of transportation and infrastructure projects. He played a pivotal role in supporting Sound Transit’s commuter rail expansions in several key cities, including Puyallup, Sumner, Seattle, Everett, Northgate and SeaTac. His in-depth knowledge of geotechnical conditions has also been crucial in evaluating the stability of roads, sewers, gas lines, and tunnels, along with conducting geotechnical studies for major upgrades to wastewater treatment plants across Washington state.

A defining feature of Boirum’s work has been his ability to manage complex geotechnical challenges related to seismic risk, which is particularly relevant in the Pacific Northwest due to its vulnerability to earthquakes. Boirum’s expertise in seismic analysis and mitigation has been crucial to a range of high-profile projects in the region.

One such project was the Fairview Avenue Bridge Replacement in Seattle, where Boirum’s innovative seismic analysis saved the city of Seattle nearly $18 million in construction costs. By identifying appropriate seismic parameters for the site, Boirum helped avoid the need for costly slope stabilization measures, which would have been required using standard design methods. This was just one example of how his deep understanding of geotechnical principles has resulted in both cost savings and improved safety for the community.

Another example of Boirum’s significant contributions to infrastructure in Washington is his work on the Denny Way/Lake Union Combined Sewer Overflow Control Project. Boirum led the geotechnical investigations and studies for five large-diameter tunnels that were essential for the project. His thorough analysis helped develop detailed design and construction recommendations for the tunnels, which encountered challenging soil conditions, including cobbles, boulders and buried debris. His work on this project, and many others, underscores his ability to blend innovative solutions with practical engineering applications to address the unique challenges of each site.

Boirum’s technical expertise extends to managing complex projects in the environmental and wastewater sectors as well. He directed geotechnical evaluations for over 50 wastewater treatment plants and major plant upgrades, including work at facilities in Granite Falls, Langley, Renton and many others. His ability to evaluate geotechnical conditions in potentially unstable environments, such as sites near rivers, has been crucial in the successful design of these facilities, ensuring their long-term stability and minimizing the risk of damage from flooding or other environmental factors.

Beyond his technical accomplishments, Boirum has been a passionate advocate for the geotechnical engineering profession and developing future engineers. He has held professional engineering licenses in four states for over 40 years and has contributed to the field through mentorship, publications and leadership. As president of the ACEC of Washington from 2014—2015, Ralph played a key role in promoting infrastructure development and advocating for policies that supported engineering firms across the state. His leadership strengthened ACEC Washington’s advocacy efforts and fostered collaboration among engineering firms, ensuring that engineers of all levels had the tools and support they needed to succeed.

Boirum’s impact extends beyond Washington state. He served as the geotechnical project manager for over 20 U.S. Embassy projects globally, including in Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan, the Bahamas, Montenegro and Trinidad. His work on these international projects further demonstrates his versatility and expertise in providing geotechnical solutions in diverse and challenging environments.

Boirum’s exceptional technical abilities, leadership and commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineers make him a deserving recipient of the ACEC Washington 2025 Engineer of the Year Award. His career is a testament to the importance of combining technical excellence with a dedication to community, infrastructure and the advancement of the engineering profession. Boirum’s contributions have shaped the built environment in Washington state and beyond, and his legacy continues to influence the engineering community.


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