5 Questions with an Expert: Ruban Gugaruban, P.E.

A Conversation with Ruban Gugaruban, P.E., Senior Project Manager at HVJ Associates®

We sat down with Ruban Gugaruban, P.E., Senior Project Manager in HVJ’s Construction Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) Department, to explore what he's learned from working across multiple countries,  how he leads major infrastructure testing projects, and where civil engineering is headed.

1. Starting with some information about yourself, how did you get started in this field and what keeps you inspired today? 

I grew up in a farming community in northern Sri Lanka during a period of civil conflict and limited resources. The community relied on traditional, generational wisdom to build homes, repair roads, and manage irrigation systems with whatever they had. Their resourcefulness showed me that thoughtful engineering can make life significantly better, even with few resources. 

Engineering was also part of my family upbringing. My grandfather could build an entire house from foundation to roof. My father, a Water Authority technician, brought me along to pipelines, water treatment plants, and reservoir sites throughout my childhood. Those early moments planted something deep within me.

Later, as I moved to larger cities, I saw both modern progress and the quiet loss of sustainable practices. That tension drew me to civil engineering because it shapes how people live. It supports essentials like clean water, safe shelter, and dependable infrastructure.

Over the years, I worked in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Canada, and now the United States. I have seen diverse approaches to solving problems, but the common thread is serving communities safely and responsibly.

What I enjoy most is watching a design transition from plan sheets into a functional structure that people use every day.  In the end, we are not just building structures; we are contributing to daily lives and future generations. 

2.  What do you consider essential to being successful in your role as Senior Project Manager in HVJ’s CoMET Department?

I ensure our field inspections and laboratory testing operations run smoothly from project kickoff through final completion.  Success in this role requires a variety of skills, but these are a few that stand out to me:

• Starting the day by coordinating and supporting our field technicians, ensuring they have clear instructions, project specifications, and the right equipment to work safely and accurately.
• Mentoring and supporting the team, helping them navigate challenges, find solutions, and translate this into actionable reports and proposals.
• Quickly adapting to unexpected site conditions or schedule changes, as our role is closely tied to the contractor's schedule.
• Keeping quality control at the heart of what we do. This goes beyond a routine "pass or fail" and involves stepping back to identify the root cause and collaborate with the team to make well-informed technical decisions.
• Communicating clearly with clients to give them confidence that their projects are in good hands at every step. 
  
  

3. For someone new to the field, how would you explain what Construction Materials Engineering and Testing is and how it differs from other areas of civil engineering?

 Construction Materials Engineering and Testing (CoMET) helps connect the design and construction phases of a project. Through field observations, inspections, and laboratory and field testing, CoMET professionals ensures that the construction materials used in the project meet the project specifications and are placed in conformance with the project plans and specifications.

A unique aspect of CoMET is our presence throughout the entire construction lifecycle. We are involved at each stage as the project develops, contributing to its quality, durability, and safety. 

Having worked on infrastructure projects across several countries, I have learned that even projects with similar designs can present very different challenges because of variations in ground conditions, materials, construction methods, and environmental factors. That is what makes CoMET interesting: every project offers something new to learn, and even a routine test can reveal an unexpected technical challenge.

For someone new to the field, I recommend prioritizing practical experience early in your career, especially where you can learn from experienced colleagues. Here are some specifics: 

• Observe construction activities closely and ask questions like why a test is performed, what the results signify, and what factors influenced them.
• Build a strong foundation by spending your first two years in field inspection or testing. This is an experience you can't replicate in a classroom.
• During on-site work, focus on building a deep understanding of construction sequences, spotting potential problems, interpreting test results, and communicating with contractors.

4. When a client or business is starting a new engineering project, what advice would you give them for choosing the right partner?

I encourage clients to look beyond the initial proposal fee and evaluate overall technical capability, responsiveness, and long-term value.

CoMET services typically represent only a tiny fraction of an overall construction budget—often just a few percent. Yet they have an immense impact on construction quality, project schedules, durability, and public safety. Selecting a partner based solely on the lowest bid often introduces hidden costs. 

During proposal evaluation, clients should prioritize proven project experience, accredited laboratory capabilities, qualified personnel, and a demonstrable track record of reliable service.

Another major factor is whether a firm offers multidisciplinary technical support. At HVJ Associates, our CoMET team works directly alongside in-house geotechnical, environmental, and pavement engineers. When unexpected conditions arise, we work together to identify solutions and avoid costly delays.

In short, my advice to clients is simple. View your engineering partner not just as a project expense, but as an essential investment in risk management and long-term project success.

5. How has the field changed since you started, and where do you see it heading—new tools, technology, or approaches you're excited about?

When I began my engineering studies, we relied almost entirely on textbooks, manual calculations, and traditional drafting methods. Today, engineers can use digital tools to perform complex analyses, develop detailed designs, monitor construction activities, and manage large volumes of project information much more efficiently than before.

AI and machine learning are now showing potential to improve engineering productivity and support higher-quality project delivery.  In CoMET specifically, I see opportunities to use AI and automation to improve field reporting, laboratory data management, technician scheduling, and quality assurance processes.

For example, in materials testing, these tools could help us more efficiently identify unusual trends, inconsistencies, and potential quality concerns. By automating routine documentation or administrative tasks, we can spend more time on technical evaluations, problem-solving, and client communication.

However, artificial intelligence must remain a supporting tool, not a substitute for engineering judgment. Civil engineering involves complex variables, shifting environments, and physical nuances that automated algorithms cannot fully interpret. For younger engineers, AI should cultivate deeper curiosity rather than reliance on automated answers.

The future of civil engineering isn't about AI replacing engineers; it is about skilled professionals using powerful tools responsibly to make sharper decisions and build safer, more resilient infrastructure.