Arizona State University expert directory

Samuel Ariaratnam is a nationally recognized expert in trenchless technology, which uses a variety of surface-monitored, underground excavation tools to replace and install utility lines for oil, natural gas, water, sewer, electrical, and telecommunications and fiber optics without disrupting neighborhoods, roadways, railways, riverbeds and ecologically sensitive areas.  

Ariaratnam, a registered professional engineer in Arizona and Ontario, Canada, served on the North American Society for Trenchless Technology Board of Directors from 2001-2006.  Currently, he serves as the immediate past chairman of the International Society for Trenchless Technology, and recently was appointed to the Executive Committee of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Pipelines Division. He is a co-author of the "Horizontal Directional Drilling Good Practices Guidelines" and the "Pipe Bursting Good Practices." 

Ariaratnam is a professor and Beavers-Ames Chair in Heavy Construction in the ASU’s School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment. He also serves as Chair of the Construction Engineering Program. 

He co-authored the Maricopa Association of Government’s public works specifications for installing underground utilities in 2016.