Sebastian Kaminski - Bio-based materials in seismic areas - Best Researcher Award

Arup - United Kingdom

SEBASTIAN KAMINSKI: STRUCTURAL ENGINEER 🌍

Sebastian Kaminski is a seasoned Structural Engineer with sixteen years of experience in designing reinforced concrete, steel, masonry, timber, and bamboo structures. His expertise spans various international building codes, and he collaborates closely with architects, contractors, and humanitarian organizations to deliver cost-effective, practical design solutions. Sebastian’s work has taken him across the globe, leaving a positive impact in communities from Central America to Southeast Asia.

SUSTAINABLE HOUSING ADVOCATE 🏡

A passionate advocate for low-cost, sustainable housing, Sebastian has focused on using local materials and traditional building techniques. His work in developing nations, including projects in Haiti, Nepal, and Ecuador, integrates environmentally friendly technologies. Through fieldwork and community engagement, he helps create housing and schools that are resilient and affordable, ensuring that local communities are actively involved in the design and construction processes.

BAMBOO STRUCTURAL SPECIALIST 🎋

Sebastian is a recognized expert in the structural use of bamboo. He has delivered international training on bamboo construction and co-authored the 2021 ISO Bamboo Structural Design Code. His work promotes the appropriate use of bamboo in construction, enhancing its role as a sustainable building material. Sebastian’s guidance on bamboo has been crucial in post-disaster reconstruction efforts, particularly in earthquake-affected regions.

POST-EARTHQUAKE RECONSTRUCTION EXPERT 🌪️

With extensive field experience in post-earthquake reconstruction, Sebastian has contributed significantly to rebuilding efforts in Haiti, Nepal, and Ecuador. He provides technical support to humanitarian organizations and has worked closely with the Shelter Cluster in Ecuador and Nepal. His designs emphasize resilience and sustainability, focusing on rebuilding homes and infrastructure that can better withstand future natural disasters.

GLOBAL TRAINER & EDUCATOR 📚

Sebastian has conducted numerous training courses on timber and bamboo construction across continents, including Asia, Africa, and Latin America. His educational efforts aim to spread knowledge of sustainable building materials and best practices in structural engineering. His workshops and seminars have empowered builders and engineers with the skills needed to use timber and bamboo effectively.

INNOVATOR IN BAMBOO HOUSING 🛠️

Sebastian’s innovation in bamboo housing extends to new affordable housing projects, particularly in the Philippines and India. He collaborates with NGOs and bamboo specialists to develop affordable, durable housing solutions. By using locally sourced materials and modern engineering techniques, he is helping to scale bamboo construction for widespread use in low-income communities.

AUTHOR & PUBLISHER ✍️

As a prolific author, Sebastian has published numerous papers and design guides on bamboo construction and low-cost housing. His co-authored works, such as "Structural Use of Bamboo" and "A Low-Cost Vernacular Improved Housing Design," are highly regarded in the field of civil engineering. These publications provide essential insights into the structural use of bamboo, enhancing global understanding of this renewable material.

NOTABLE PUBLICATION

Title: Lessons Learnt from the 2009 Padang Indonesia, 2011 Tōhoku Japan and 2016 Muisne Ecuador Earthquakes
Authors: Chian, S.C., Wilkinson, S.M., Whittle, J.K., Kaminski, S., Lopez, J.
Journal: Frontiers in Built Environment
Year: 2019

Title: Bamboo Reinforced Concrete: A Critical Review
Authors: Archila, H., Kaminski, S., Trujillo, D., Zea Escamilla, E., Harries, K.A.
Journal: Materials and Structures/Materiaux et Constructions
Year: 2018

Title: Structural Use of Bamboo. Part 4: Element Design Equations
Authors: Kaminski, S., Lawrence, A., Trujillo, D., Feltham, I., López, L.F.
Journal: Structural Engineer
Year: 2017

Title: Structural Use of Bamboo Part 3: Design Values
Authors: Kaminski, S., Lawrence, A., Trujillo, D., Feltham, I., López, L.F.
Journal: Structural Engineer
Year: 2016

Title: Structural Use of Bamboo Part 2: Durability and Preservation
Authors: Kaminski, S., Lawrence, A., Trujillo, D., King, C.
Journal: Structural Engineer
Year: 2016

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS:

Having served as both a Lecturer and later as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Military Institute of Science and Technology in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Md. Shahjalal has contributed significantly to the education and development of future engineers. His experiences include teaching a variety of courses related to analytical mechanics, construction, engineering materials, structural mechanics, and design of steel and concrete structures.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS:

Md. Shahjalal's research focus, evident in his ongoing Ph.D. studies at the University of Calgary, Canada, revolves around the compressive and free vibration response of fiber-reinforced rubberized recycled concrete columns. His work signifies a commitment to sustainable and innovative practices in structural engineering, particularly in the realm of concrete materials.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE:

Receiving prestigious awards such as the Best Student Paper Award at the 2nd International Conference on Advances in Civil Infrastructure and Construction Materials and the Best Journal Paper Award (National) in 2021, Md. Shahjalal's impact in the academic community is noteworthy. These accolades underscore his influence and recognition in the field of civil engineering.