Congratulations to Associate Professor and Head of the SPbGASU Department of Geotechnics Anatoly Ivanovich Osokin on receiving the academic degree of Doctor of Engineering Sciences (Order of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia No. 1101 dated 24 November, 2025).

The topic of the dissertation is "Conceptual foundations and practical application of the principles of scientific and technical justification and support for underground construction in soft soils." The study summarizes more than 30 years of experience in scientific and technical support for underground construction, monitoring, and analyzing the behavior of soils and structures in the unique geological conditions of Saint Petersburg.

The work builds on the traditions of the scientific and pedagogical school at the Department of Geotechnics, one of the oldest at the university. "Our research is always grounded in practical applications. We study how structures behave in soft soils and how new technologies function in the conditions of St Petersburg's historic center," notes Anatoly Ivanovich.

Key achievements

• Implementation of modern underground construction technologies in challenging engineering and geological conditions.
• Development of geotechnical monitoring and numerical modeling methods.
• Refinement of design models for structure-soil interactions.
• Development of practical recommendations for reducing risks and improving safety during underground development.
• Assessment of the applicability of new technologies in the soft soil conditions of the Northwest region.

The study also examines the evolution of underground construction in the Northern Capital, from the period when work was considered virtually impossible to the current stage of underground development, with civil engineering structures reaching depths of 20 meters or more through the implementation of high-precision technologies and monitoring systems.

Anatoly Ivanovich emphasizes that his study is the result of many years of work by the entire team. The Department of Geotechnics boasts a strong academic and teaching staff, led by Rashid Abdullovich Mangushev, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, and laureate of Russian Government Prizes in Science and Education. He served as his academic advisor during this dissertation work.

"All of our research—from postgraduate projects to major research projects—is developed within this school. This year, the department's research output will total approximately 100 million rubles—a record for us," notes Anatoly Osokin.

The award of this degree is expected to strengthen the department's position in scientific grant competitions, promote the advancement of young researchers, and further develop laboratory facilities, software systems, and monitoring technologies.

Speaking about what inspired him to pursue a career in science, Anatoly Ivanovich recalls his student years and a meeting with Boris Ivanovich Dalmatov, an outstanding scientist, Honored Scientist and Engineer of the RSFSR, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor, and Honorary Academician of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences: "My first technical ideas, my first invention during my student years, an internship, then graduate school... That's where it all began. Since then, science has become an integral part of my life and professional work."

Concluding the interview, the scientist emphasized that new, large-scale tasks lie ahead to ensure the country's technological sovereignty: developing domestic software for numerical calculations, creating a modern geotechnical material and technical base, improving monitoring systems, and promoting safe technologies for underground space development.

The awarding of the DSc in Engineering degree to Anatoly Ivanovich Osokin is a significant event not only for the department and the Faculty of Civil Engineering, but also for the entire scientific school of St Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, contributing to the development of domestic geotechnical engineering and improving construction safety in complex soil conditions.