Ian D. Williams

Let me take you back to my fifth grade science fair, an opportunity for most kids to build a volcano or power a lightbulb with a potato. Not the case for Ian Williams. No, instead I decided that it would be fun mix concrete with various recycled plastics to test alternative forms of reinforcement. (FYI, the plastic mesh bags that oranges come in work pretty well.) 

Over two decades since that fateful science project and my excitement for concrete research has only increased. In 2019 I completed a PhD at UC Berkeley studying mechanical behavior, computational modeling, and applications of fiber reinforced concrete, novel fabrication methods for reinforced concrete structures, and energy efficient building technology in tropical climates. I then spent two years as a Structural Engineer at CDM Smith designing water-retaining reinforced concrete tanks, performing condition assessment of aging concrete municipal structures, and screening projects for FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

In 2023 I began working at Exponent where I do concrete forensics, structural failure analysis, audit public utility systems, and just about anything else that comes my way. When I'm not at my desk you'll most likely find me up in the mountains, building reclaimed wood furniture, or out on a hike with my dog, Russell.