Professional Role and Responsibilities
George R. Teetes holds the position of Tunnels and Underground Services Business Unit Leader and Executive Vice President at Schnabel Engineering, where he also serves on the Board of Directors. His primary office location is in Dallas, Texas, with contact telephone 972.250.3322.
He is also referenced as President of Tunnel Engineering Services within Schnabel Engineering, indicating a leadership role overseeing tunnel design, geotechnics, and risk management services. His leadership involves strategic direction and operational management of tunneling and underground construction projects.
Industry and Technical Expertise
George Teetes has three decades of experience in the tunnel engineering industry, specializing in a broad range of services including:
- Feasibility studies and project planning
- Comprehensive project management and procurement
- Risk management and mitigation strategy development
- Alternative contract delivery methods
- Application of tunneling and trenchless construction methodologies
- Detailed analysis and engineering design
- Geotechnical site investigation planning and supervision
His technical strengths are focused on:
- Assessment and characterization of soil and rock behavior during tunnel excavation
- Advanced 2D and 3D numerical analysis for underground structures
- Design and implementation of ground support systems for tunnels and underground facilities
- Layout and installation of geotechnical instrumentation systems for monitoring
His breadth of experience covers both civil construction and mining industries, with projects spanning:
- Water and wastewater infrastructure tunnels
- Hydroelectric power tunnels
- Urban transportation tunnels including vehicular, rail, and transit tunnels
- Shafts and haulage drifts for large-scale underground mining operations
Educational Background and Professional Credentials
George R. Teetes holds a Doctorate in Earth Systems Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines, enriched by a Master of Science in Geotechnical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University.
He maintains Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in multiple states, including Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Louisiana, New York, and Texas, and is a National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) Record Holder.
Professional Affiliations
He is actively engaged with industry organizations, including:
- American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
- Chi Epsilon Civil Engineering Honor Society
- Underground Construction Association of SME (Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration)
Market and Service Sector Involvement
Mr. Teetes leads Schnabel’s tunneling services targeting multiple sectors and markets:
- Government (Federal, State, Local)
- Power and Energy, including hydropower and electric transmission
- Transportation, encompassing highways, bridges, transit, freight rail, ports, and airports
- Water infrastructure including dams, levees, tunnels, and wastewater systems
- Commercial, Cultural, Industrial, and Institutional projects
His oversight extends through design, risk management, project risk mitigation, and program/construction management for tunnels and underground infrastructure.
Industry Contributions and Thought Leadership
George Teetes is recognized for contributing to the industry’s knowledge base, participating in conferences such as the Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference (RETC) and the Underground Construction Association's Cutting Edge Conference. His expertise has been cited in technical literature and risk management case studies relevant to water infrastructure tunnel projects, including the DC Clean Rivers Project.
He has co-authored technical papers, notably on backfilling and contact grouting of tunnels, which are considered important technical contributions in tunnel construction best practices.
Summary
George R. Teetes is a highly experienced and credentialed executive engineer specializing in tunnels and underground structures, with executive-level accountability for Schnabel Engineering’s Tunnels and Underground Services Business Unit. His technical expertise, leadership scope, and involvement across multiple infrastructure markets position him as a key decision-maker and influencer in large-scale underground construction projects. His extensive licensure and professional affiliations underscore his credibility and authority in civil and geotechnical engineering domains.
