Engineering in the aftermath of the Beirut explosion

Overview

Joe Bilan, a civil engineer in Arcadis’s Highways team, travelled to Beirut, at his own expense, in August to join several volunteer groups including “Frontline Engineers” working alongside the UN and the Lebanese Army to carry out structural inspections following the devastating explosion.

He had to inspect every property affected within three miles of the explosion – working to a tight deadline ahead of torrential rains.

Joe will tell of his experiences, including some harrowing tales of the impact the explosion had on his compatriot, and his fundraising to assist in repairs and the purchase of medical equipment and supplies for vulnerable people he met during his inspections.