Hawkins International Webinar Series

Built Environment / Engineering / Fire & Explosions / Materials Failures / Personal Injury
Hawkins International Webinar Series

Tom Peat

Principal Associate

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David Reid Rowland

Principal Associate

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From April to June 2026, join experts from across Hawkins as they host our International Webinar Series, featuring specialists from our global office locations.

This series covers a wide range of topics, including material and mechanical failures, lithium‑ion batteries, bridge forensics, bolted connection failures, and risk in indoor climbing.

For webinar details and to register, please see below.

If you would like further information on each webinar before registering, simply click on the titles. Our events page provides details of other Hawkins events that you may find of interest.

Forensic Investigation of Materials and  Mechanical Failures in MENA

Presented by Dr Tom Peat

Thursday 16th April 2026 at 9.30am BST

Mechanical Engineer Dr Tom Peat will explore Hawkins’ forensic investigation capabilities across the Middle East and North Africa, with a particular focus on materials and mechanical failures relevant to legal disputes and insurance claims. He will outline how metallurgical analysis, failure reconstruction, and engineering forensics are applied to determine causation and support liability assessments within the energy, infrastructure, and industrial sectors.

An Introduction to Bridge Forensics

Presented by Eng Phin

Thursday 30th April 2026 at 9.30am BST

In this webinar, Structural Engineer Eng Phin introduces the fundamentals of bridge forensics, with a focus on pre‑stressed concrete (PSC) bridges – one of the most common bridge types in Hong Kong and worldwide. The session covers key topics including structural systems, failure modes, and common investigation techniques.

A Bolt From the Blue: Why Bolted Connections Can Unexpectedly Fail

Presented by Patrick Walsh

Thursday 14th May 2026 at 9.30am BST

Civil Engineer Patrick Walsh will examine the most frequent design and installation errors in bolted connections that can lead to unexpected failures. The session will highlight how issues such as incorrect surface preparation, improper bolt pre‑tensioning, and misunderstandings of bolt behaviour can significantly increase the risk of structural failure.

Lithium Ion Batteries: Chemistries, Failures and Fire

Presented by David Reid Rowland

Thursday 28th May 2026 at 9.30am BST

In this webinar, mechanical engineer and forensic expert David Reid Rowland draws on two decades of investigative experience to demystify how lithium ion batteries work, why they fail, and what makes their fires so destructive and difficult to extinguish. He also explores real-world examples involving consumer products, marine cargo, and electric vehicles, highlighting the importance of regulation, protective systems, and safe handling practices.

Forensic Insights: Uncovering Failures in Mechanical Systems

Presented by Albert Law 

Thursday 11th June 2026 at 9.30am BST

In this webinar, Mechanical Engineer Albert Law explores the forensic engineering approach applied to mechanical systems such as air‑conditioning units, pumping systems, fans, and other mechanical equipment. Attendees will gain an understanding of how mechanical failures are investigated, the methodologies used to identify root causes, and the role of forensic analysis in improving system reliability and safety.

Climbing: Lets Tie in & Consider the Risks

Presented by Jason Buchwitz

Thursday 25th June 2026 at 9.30am BST

In this presentation, Materials Engineer Jason Buchwitz will explore the construction and characteristics of indoor climbing walls, review trends in climbing-related accidents, and examine existing risk reduction measures, while considering which risks are unavoidable elements of the sport.

We look forward to presenting to you.

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