Mr. Amir Tophel
Dr. Amir Tophel
I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Monash University, specializing in Experimental Geomechanics, soil behavior analysis, and in-situ testing. My research focuses on advancing geotechnical engineering through innovative laboratory techniques, field instrumentation, and sustainable ground improvement methods. I have extensive experience in Digital Image Correlation (DIC), micro-CT imaging, and Intelligent Compaction systems, contributing to a deeper understanding of soil-structure interaction, unsaturated soil mechanics, and infrastructure resilience.
With a strong academic background, I have published in SCI and refereed journals, collaborated with industry partners, and secured competitive research funding. My teaching experience spans undergraduate and postgraduate geotechnical engineering courses, emphasizing active learning, real-world applications, and student mentorship.
My goal is to integrate experimental research with practical geotechnical solutions, contributing to sustainable infrastructure development and resilience in extreme environments. I am keen on collaborations in experimental geomechanics, geotechnical education, and sustainable engineering solutions.
Qualifications
- PhD, Monash University , 2023
- Master of Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India, 2019
- Bachelor of Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, India, 2017
Awards
- Finalist, Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) Best PhD research award (2022)
- Monash Research Impact Fund of 50,000 AUD, Monash University (Oct 2022)
- Monash University Postgraduate Travel grant to attend International Conference (Sept 2022)
- Monash University Graduate Scholarship (MGS) (2019)
- Faculty of Engineering International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (FEIPRS) (2019)
- Winner and People’s choice award winner (3MT round, Department of Civil Engineering 2021)
- People’s choice award winner (3MT round, Faculty of Engineering 2021)
- Runner up (3MT round, Monash Wild card entry 2021)
Professional Activities
- Deputy President, Civil Engineering Postgraduate Committee, Monash University (2021)
- Core Conference Organising Committee, Monash University Faculty of Engineering Post Graduate Student Conference (2021)
- MGA HDR Mentor, Monash University (2021)
- Academic Vice-President, Civil Engineering Postgraduate Committee, Monash University (2020)
Research Interests
Currently exploring different techniques to estimate the density of soil non-destructively i.e. without sampling.
Tophel A, Walker JP, Dutta TT, Kodikara J (2022) Theory-guided machine learning to predict density evolution of sand dynamically compacted under Ko condition. Acta Geotechnica. (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11440-021-01431-2)
Tophel, A, Walker, JP, Lu, Y., Kodikara, J (2022) Proximal Sensing of Density During Soil Compaction by Instrumented Roller. Australian Geomechanics Journal. 57, 161–169. (https://doi.org/10.56295/AGJ5739)
Tophel A, Walker JP, Dutta TT, Bodin D, Kodikara J (2023) Model development to predict dynamic interactions of roller and geomaterial using simulated roller compaction. Transportation Geotechnics 39:100946. (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trgeo.2023.100946)
Tophel A, Kodikara J, Walker JP. (2021) Systems and methods for measuring/estimating geomaterial layer properties due to compaction. Patent Application: PCT/AU2021/051505. (https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2023108190)
Tophel A, Walker JP, Dutta TT, Kodikara J. (2023). Using a Novel Instrumented Roller to Estimate Soil Dry Density During Compaction. In: Gomes Correia, A., Azenha, M., Cruz, P.J.S., Novais, P., Pereira, P. (eds) Trends on Construction in the Digital Era. ISIC 2022. Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, vol 306. Springer, Cham. (https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-20241-4_38)
Tophel, A., & Ramana, G. V. (2019). Protecting Heritage Structures Against Liquefaction: Recent Developments. Recent Advances in Geo-Environmental Engineering, Geomechanics and Geotechnics, and Geohazards. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation, 507–509. =(https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-01665-4_117)
(2017) Properties of asphalt binder and asphalt concrete containing waste polyethylene, Petroleum Science and Technology, 35:5, 495-500, (https://doi.org/10.1080/10916466.2016.1265559)
Teaching Commitments
- CIV5886 - Infrastructure Geomechanics (TA)
- CIV3248 - Groundwater and Environmental Geomechanics (TA)