Overview keynote speakers
Session 1: The decision-making process regarding foundation decarbonization and reuse
Alfred Roubos
Senior port engineer at the Port of Rotterdam Authority
Alfred Roubos is a senior port engineer at the Port of Rotterdam Authority and a dedicated researcher specializing in marine structures. His primary focus is on enhancing the sustainability of port infrastructure, including quay walls, jetties and flexible dolphins. Alfred’s research aims to deepen the understanding of uncertainties, hidden safeties, and the reliability of port infrastructure. One of his key objectives is to gain insights into the actual performance of existing structure to ensure safety and lifetime extension in the decision-making processes.
Alfred is actively involved in a variety of projects, ranging from the development of greenfield projects and the expansion of existing terminals to dredging works. He holds both an MSc and a PhD from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences at Delft University of Technology, with a specialization in hydraulic structures and probabilistic design. His master’s thesis, “Dealing with Uncertainties in the Design of Bottom Protection Near Quay Walls,” earned him the prestigious PIANC Paepe Willems Award in 2007.
In addition to his research and project work, Alfred participates in several national and international committees. He served as the secretary for CUR211, the second edition of the Handbook Quay Walls, and as an editor for CUR186, the new Handbook Historic Urban Quay Walls, and the CROW Handbook Flexible Dolphins. Representing the Netherlands, Alfred contributes to PIANC WG145 on berthing velocities of large seagoing vessels, PIANC WG211 on the design of fender systems, PIANC WG164 on the deepening of existing berths, and PIANC WG255 Assessment of existing marine structures.
Alfred is also involved in numerous research projects, primarily focusing on innovations and developments in the Port of Rotterdam related to quay walls, jetties, flexible dolphins, and scour protection. Furthermore, he shares his expertise by lecturing in several post-academic courses.
Session 2: The inspection and testing of existing foundations to assess their suitability for reuse
Dr. Ernst Niederleithinger
Head of Non-destructive Testing Methods for Civil Engineering at BAM
Dr. Ernst Niederleithinger got his Masters Degree in Geophysics in 1990 from TU Berlin, his PhD degree from University of Potsdam, and a habilitation degree from RWTH Aachen University.
After working for 11 years as a geophysical contractor he joined BAM, the German Federal Research Institute for Materials Research and Testing. Currently he serves as head of the division for NDT in civil engineering and coordinates BAM’s new competence center for data analytics.
His main research interests are ultrasonic imaging and monitoring, especially using geophysical techniques. In addition, he lectures at RWTH Aachen University. He is a member of various committees working on recommendations for NDT.
Dr. Niederleithinger will deliver the keynote address for session 2 at the conference, which focuses on the testing and evaluation of piles that are to be reused. As one of the principal investigators of the foundation re-use project REFUND (in Germany) and RUFUS (in the European Union) and co-author of various NDT and monitoring guidelines and standards, he will share his views on how the current condition and the remaining life of existing deep foundation elements can be assessed.
Session 3: The design process when foundations are decarbonized or reused
Pawel Michalak
Global Director Innovation at Fugro
As Global Director Innovation, Pawel is responsible for Fugro’s Digital Transformation, differentiation through innovation, and technology leadership. He leads a global community of engineers, scientists and digital, AI and robotics technology leaders, shaping the future of spatial and subsurface mapping, modelling and monitoring. A large part of this transformation is accelerated by strong cooperation with clients, partners, suppliers and research and academic organisations.
Throughout the course of his career, Pawel performed several roles in Europe, the Middle East, the US, and Australia, all involving strategic technology and business development. He has served as a technology strategy advisor, R&D funding advisor, community collaboration leader, start-up mentor, conference speaker & visiting university lecturer.
Pawel holds a Ph.D. in Satellite Geodesy, an MBA and several executive post-graduate degrees from Universities in Poland, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the US.
He’s a passionate triathlete and an IronMan competitor.
Session 4: The construction phase when foundations are decarbonized or reused
Jack Paesschen
CEO ArcelorMittal Project Europe BV
Jack Paesschen is CEO of ArcelorMittal Projects Europe BV since 2010. The Projects business division is part of ArcelorMittal, Europe’s leading steel producer. Projects is responsible for the design, fabrication and sales of steel foundation solutions mainly consisting of steel sheet piles, pipes, and beams.
After a study in Civil Engineering at the Delft University of Technology, Jack held various technical and commercial functions within ArcelorMittal Projects for 25 years. Within this period, he has seen the development from a linear use-disposal economy towards a circular economy within infrastructural projects.
In his presentation he will give an overview of possibilities to reduce, recycle and reuse steel supported by various examples and projects.