Reigate Series – Use of Drones & Laser Scanners in Forensic Investigation

This webinar discusses how laser scanners and drone imaging has assisted in the forensic investigation of Built Environment failures, including case studies.

Andrew Reeves

Andrew graduated from Cambridge University in 1992 with a first class degree in Engineering Science, specialising in geotechnics, structures and materials. He was sponsored by Ove Arup & Partners both before and during university gaining over a years’ worth of experience on site and in the design office. On graduation he joined Arup’s geotechnical division in London and then spent the next 7 years in London, Berlin and Hong Kong on the design and site-supervision of large infrastructure projects such as Canary Wharf towers, Merrill Lynch HQ, Berlin Velodrome and Swimming Pool and The Centre, HK. During this time Andrew specialised in the design and construction of deep basements, retaining walls and foundations using diaphragm walls and large diameter piles. He also studied for a master’s degree in Soil Mechanics at Imperial College, with his thesis on the effects of rising groundwater on bored piles in London, graduating with a distinction. In 1999 Andrew joined a strategy consultancy, Mars & Co, where he carried out numerous projects on behalf of blue-chip companies in UK, Turkey, USA and France. In 2007 Andrew formed his own company carrying out both business and engineering consultancy projects for a range of clients. He expanded […]

Shortcomings in Flood Risk Management for New Developments

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies for England. It states that development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided by directing development away from areas at highest risk.

Shimin Zhuang

Shimin graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2014 with an honours degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating, he joined YWL Engineering Singapore and gained design experience related to heavy infrastructure sectors and geotechnical finite element analysis. During this time, he also completed a Masters in Geotechnical Engineering at the National University of Singapore and graduated with distinction. In 2016, Shimin joined ERSS Consultants and specialised in the design and construction of deep basements, retaining walls and reinforced soils. He was assigned as a representative of temporary works Qualified Persons (Design) for a national underground metro station and in charge of construction support until the completion of the station box. In 2019, Shimin joined AECOM Singapore as a Geotechnical Engineer and qualified as a Professional Engineer in civil engineering with the Professional Engineers Board Singapore. During his time with AECOM, Shimin was involved in the design and construction of various types of large-scale projects, such as a subsea segmental tunnel, large diameter deep shafts, bored pile foundations, pile-enhanced raft and foundations using barrettes and diaphragm walls for metro stations and cut & cover tunnels. Shimin joined Hawkins in 2021 as a member of the expanding geotechnical engineering capability of […]

Jon Watkins

Jon graduated from Imperial College London in 2010 with a first class degree in Civil Engineering. Having previously worked in both Consulting Engineering with Atkins, as well as in Contracting with Sir Robert McAlpine, he has particular experience in assessment of existing structures for refurbishment projects. In addition to this, Jon has performed seismic surveys for residential buildings in high risk zones across the Middle-East. He was also seconded to Atkins Qatar as part of the Doha Metro project providing client support to a remote design team. Jon joined Hawkins in 2016 to strengthen our services in Civil & Structural Engineering investigations, but soon developed his skills to undertake fire, explosions and personal injury investigations. He has since investigated over 500 cases including fires, explosions, construction incidents, water ingress, foundation settlement and personal injuries. Jon has led investigations of a domestic, industrial and commercial nature, which have ranged in size from small losses to multi-million pound complex claims. Jon is experienced in the legal process in both Scotland and England & Wales, and the preparation of CPR Part 35 compliant reports. He has experience advising solicitors and Counsel on technical engineering issues and has given expert evidence in the All-Scotland […]

Bernard Travers

Bernard is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) with the Institution of Civil Engineers (MICE). He joined Hawkins in 2016, enhancing the company’s civil engineering capabilities. Since then, he has investigated over 250 cases involving civil, structural, and built environment issues. His expertise includes basement water ingress, cracked or shattered glazing, building collapses, cladding failures (including rendered external wall insulation or EWI), storm and vibration damage, solar panel installations, and roof issues. Bernard advises on Building Regulations and design standards, and he reviews and investigates performance using engineering principles and testing. Bernard combines technical expertise with a passion for clear communication. In 2017, he won the Institution of Civil Engineers’ ‘Pitch 180’ competition by explaining subsidence in 180 seconds using confectionery. He graduated from Cambridge University in 2010 with a degree in Engineering, specializing in Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering. Sponsored by Skanska UK during his studies, he gained experience on highways and rail sites. After graduation, Bernard joined Arup’s Advanced Technology and Research team. He worked on a variety of specialist technical problems, oversaw site work as a Resident Engineer seconded to Kier Construction, and assessed existing structures across the built environment. At Arup, Bernard provided technical advice for structures in […]

Austen Smith

Austen is a Chartered Architect, Chartered Construction Manager and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators with over 20 years of experience in the construction industry.

Samuel Morley

Samuel graduated from the University of Bath in 2003 with a Masters in Architecture having previously graduated in 2001 with a BSc in General Architectural Studies from the same university. During his studies Samuel benefited from the unique interdisciplinary studio teaching with both architecture and engineering students contributing towards projects; preparing him for collaboration in professional life. Upon graduation Samuel worked initially in facilities management for University College London Hospitals on a project to document and assess their existing estate providing data to enable informed property decisions. In 2004 Samuel transitioned to private practice in an architectural role at Thomas Nugent Architects whilst he completed his PgDip in Professional Practice in Architecture at University of Westminster; achieving Chartered status in 2007. During his time Samuel led a variety of commercial and domestic projects ranging from new build houses to hotel, office and residential developments. In 2008 Samuel moved to Mace to become part of their multi-disciplinary design team where he led public sectors projects including children’s centres, libraries and schools. During this period Samuel was seconded for 3 years to Hampshire County Council to lead their nursing care programme, whilst also working on education and other civic projects, as part […]

Richard Keightley

Richard Keightley is a forensic investigator at Hawkins London

Paul Hughes

Paul left Newcastle University in 2007 with a Masters Degree in Civil and Structural Engineering. As part of his course of study he spent a year at the National University of Singapore on a graduate exchange programme. He joined Royal Haskoning, Maritime Division, working from the design office on a wide variety of projects including ports, shipyards, dry docks, terminals and other maritime structures. During this time he was also seconded to BAM Nuttall, working on the London Olympic site overseeing the construction of bridges and retaining walls. In 2011, Paul joined 2H Offshore and over the next five years worked from London, Paris, Dubai and Kuala Lumpur on the design and management of specialist offshore projects. He expanded his engineering knowledge into subsea systems, specialising in the design, structural analysis and integrity management of riser and conductor systems. This included the design and construction of minimal facilities platforms and subsea structures for hybrid risers. Paul joined Hawkins in 2016 in order to further expand the civil engineering capability of the company.