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

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

Umair Jalil Malik commenced his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), specializing in Structural Engineering. His educational background includes a thesis focused on the evaluation of the effective stiffness of High-performance Fiber Reinforced Cement Composites (HPFRCC) and Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) at various levels.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Mr. Malik's professional endeavors reflect a dedication to research and practical application in the field of Structural Engineering. He has contributed significantly to the advancement of seismic resilience, sustainable concrete technology, and the application of machine learning in civil engineering. His roles as a Laboratory Engineer at NUST and as a Junior Engineer at INN Consulting Engineers have provided him with hands-on experience in project management, design, and research.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS ON STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Mr. Malik's research interests encompass a wide range of topics within Structural Engineering, including high-performance composites, geopolymer composites, sustainable concrete technology, and the application of machine learning. His published articles and ongoing projects demonstrate his commitment to advancing knowledge in these areas and addressing real-world challenges in structural design and earthquake resilience.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

Mr. Malik's contributions have made a tangible impact on the field of Structural Engineering, particularly in the areas of seismic resilience and sustainable construction materials. His research and publications have garnered citations and recognition, indicating their relevance and influence within the academic community.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

Mr. Malik's legacy in Structural Engineering will be characterized by his dedication to innovation, sustainability, and problem-solving. His future contributions are expected to further advance the field, particularly in the development of resilient and environmentally friendly construction materials and technologies.